Risk Factors For Aspiration Pneumonia

Dealing With Lung Disease

Chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema can lead to a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia. Because patients with these diseases have to work harder to take in enough air, they often lose the natural coordination of breathing and swallowing that keeps healthy individuals from accidentally aspirating food and drinks.

Individuals dealing with lung disease are also more likely to struggle in recovering from pneumonia. Because their lungs are already weakened, they are more likely to spend an extended time in the hospital and require breathing support such as intubation. However, there are ways to lower risk. Issues with the coordination of swallowing and breathing can usually be identified by a speech therapy evaluation and treated with a few simple dietary changes.

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