Risk Factors For Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia is one of the most challenging types of pneumonia to fight. This kind of pneumonia occurs when individuals inhale (aspirate) food, fluid, or even gastric juices. In addition to the fluid and infection in the lungs seen in all types of pneumonia, individuals with this disease also have foreign material in their delicate alveoli, making it even more difficult to breathe. Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, and intense chest pain. While most individuals will never catch this disease, some factors could increase their chances.