Aspiration pneumonia
Anaerobic pneumonia; Aspiration of vomitus; Necrotizing pneumonia; Aspiration pneumonitis
Last reviewed: February 19, 2011.
Aspiration pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs and airways to the lungs (bronchial tubes) from breathing in foreign material.
Aspiration pneumonia occurs when foreign materials (usually food, liquids, vomit, or fluids from the mouth) are breathed into the lungs or airways leading to the lungs.
This may lead to:
A collection of pus in the lungs (lung abscess)
Swelling and inflammation in the lung
A lung infection (pneumonia)
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Risk factors for aspiration or breathing in of foreign material into the lungs are:
Acidic material that is breathed into the lungs can cause severe lung injury. However, it may not necessarily lead to pneumonia.
Symptoms
Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:
Signs and tests
A physical examination may reveal:
The following tests may also help diagnose this condition:
Treatment
Some people may need to be hospitalized. Treatment depends on the severity of the pneumonia. You may receive antibiotics, which treat bacteria. Some people may get special antibiotics to treat bacteria that live in the mouth.
The type of bacteria that caused the pneumonia depends on:
Your health
Where you live (at home or in a long-term nursing facility, for example)
Whether you've recently been hospitalized
Recent antibiotic use
You may need to have your swallowing function tested. Patients who have trouble swallowing may need to use other feeding methods to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome depends on:
The severity of the pneumonia
The type of bacteria causing the pneumonia
How much of the lungs are involved
If acute respiratory failure develops, the patient may have a long-term illness or die.
Many people who have aspiration pneumonia have other serious health problems, which may affect the outlook for recovery.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider, go to the emergency room, or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have:
Chest pain
Chills
Fever
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Prevention
Avoid behaviors that may lead to aspiration, such as excessive alcohol use
Become aware of the risk of aspiration
References
- Donowitz GR. Acute pneumonia. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 64.
- Torres A, Menéndez R, Wunderink R. Pyogenic bacterial pneumonia and lung abscess. In: Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Martin TR, et a. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 32.
