How To Treat Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs that occurs as a result of an individual aspirating or inhaling liquid, food, or vomit down into the airways and lungs. Liquid or food already in an individual's stomach that regurgitates up their esophagus can aspirate into their lungs. Aspiration pneumonia develops when an individual is unable to cough up the substance aspirated into the lungs, and bacteria begins to colonize. This condition is most common among elderly individuals who reside in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.