Aspiration Pneumonia Symptoms

Aspiration pneumonia is caused by the inhalation of foreign materials into the lungs. Usually, food, stomach contents, saliva, nasal secretions, are found to cause this condition. When any of these materials enter the lungs accidentally, it may cause blockage or damage of the bronchioles. In such situations, the affected site may develop swelling and drainage. In some cases, the affected site may also be attacked by pathogens, like bacteria. This aggravates the condition. In this article we shall discuss the various aspects of aspiration pneumonia symptoms, causes and treatment.

More about Aspiration Pneumonia

As mentioned above, aspiration pneumonia is caused by the inhalation of foreign materials into the lungs. Normally, people aspirate or inhale small amounts of oral or gastric contents, but, the defense mechanism of the body takes care of it. But, in people with impaired pulmonary defense or in case of inhalation of foreign materials in large amounts may lead to aspiration pneumonia, with or without lung abscess. It is characterized by an inflammation of the bronchioles. The alveoli in the region fill with fluid, as an immune system reaction. If the aspirated material is acidic in nature, chemical inflammation may happen. It has been observed that aspiration pneumonia is often linked to the right middle and lower parts of the lungs. Those who aspirate in an upright position develop problems mainly in the lower parts of the lungs. The position is often dependent on gravity. Let us take a look at the causes of this condition, aspiration pneumonia symptoms and treatment.

Aspiration Pneumonia Causes

In most cases, foreign materials are aspired into the lungs involuntarily, or due to impaired swallowing mechanism. Involuntary inhalation is often seen in people with altered consciousness, like, those in anesthesia or in an intoxicated condition, etc. Even use of certain drugs, and being in an unconscious state, can lead to such involuntary aspiration. Old age and childhood are also found to be linked to this condition. In case of newborns or infants, prolonged labor and large amounts of amniotic fluid may be a cause of aspiration pneumonia. In such cases, aspiration pneumonia symptoms in babies include inability to suck breast milk, fever, etc. People with dental problems and esophagus disorders are also prone to this condition. Even medical conditions, like, stroke, Parkinson's disease, head injury, seizures, multiple sclerosis, may cause aspiration pneumonia. Now, that you know more about the common causes of this condition, let us take a look at aspiration pneumonia symptoms.

Symptoms of Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia symptoms and the severity of the condition may vary from one person to another. It has been noted that the symptoms as well as the severity of the condition is based on the nature of material inhaled and its volume. If the patient has aspirated a foreign material in large amount, severe respiratory problems may develop within one or two hours. In most cases of aspiration pneumonia, the symptoms develop at a very slow pace, but are found to worsen quickly. The following are some of the common aspiration pneumonia symptoms.

• The most common symptom of aspiration pneumonia is cough, which can be frequent. Such cough may also be produce phlegm with pus or tinges of blood. It can be foul-smelling and frothy too.
• The affected person may also experience breathing trouble, as well as a higher heart rate during rest. Apart from that he/she may have wheezing and chest pain during cough or breathing.
• Other symptoms of aspiration pneumonia include bad breath, dizziness, confusion, fever, chills, nervousness, etc. The person may sweat a lot and may even faint.
• Apart from the above said symptoms, the patient may have trouble swallowing and bluish skin coloration.

Now, you have a basic understanding about aspiration pneumonia symptoms. The above said is only a brief overview, as symptoms of this condition may vary with severity of the condition, age and health condition of the patient, nature of the aspirated material, etc. Treatment for this condition may also vary with individual patients. In case of bacterial link, antibiotics may be administered. If there is acid reflux, medications may be given to reduce stomach acid. In case of inhalation of solid materials, bronchoscopy will be done to remove it. The patient may also be given oxygen. Severe cases require hospitalization and constant monitoring. Aspiration pneumonia requires proper and timely treatment to avoid life-threatening complications.