Aspiration pneumonia, an infection of the lungs that develops when one breath into the lungs food particles, puke. One may also inspire content from the stomach up to the windpipe. If this content is not expelled from the lungs, it would lead to bacterial growth. Aspiration pneumonia prevention is however, preventable.
Different conditions increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Normally, as people age, they become less active. The risk is considered highest for people older than 75 years or individuals who have spent a long time in care center of in nursing home. At old age it becomes difficult to swallow or cough well, which increases the risk of this infection.
Other factors may as well enhance the risks of this type of pneumonia. These factors include weak immune systems resulting from diabetes, heart failure, age or other health conditions. In addition, the muscles that aid in the swallowing may become weak because of conditions like Alzheimer conditions, stroke or other diseases. Other risk matters include cigarette smoking, use of ventilators or feeding tubes that permit the passage of bacteria to the lungs, poor oral hygiene as well as alcoholism.
Aspiration pneumonia generally causes inflammations to the bronchial tubes as well as the lungs. Although the infection is not as common, there are possibilities of contracting it. Anaerobic bacteria commonly cause the infection. In addition, fungi and viruses can also cause pneumonia even though not with aspirations. Even though our immune system battles the invasion to prevent the occurrences of such infections, sometimes these germs can overpower the immune system. Under the normal circumstances, only air ought to enter our lungs, even though the infections can occur should anything hinder the usual gag reflex.
While other people can effectively force out aspirated material by a strong cough, some cannot since their ability to cough is impaired. This is common in unconscious people or in individuals who have had injuries in the brain and therefore resulting in continuous decreased consciousness. Other people also aspirate saliva while asleep in the night but they do not get the infection because they are in a position to clear inspired saliva and they also have a strong immune system.
This infection has various signs and symptoms. The symptoms are such as fever, coughing with or without bringing up mucus, pink or frothy spit, trouble swallowing, and bluish skin around the fingertips or around your mouth. Other symptoms are such as rapid heartbeat or chest pain, change in the voice such as hoarseness or gurgling, weight loss and loss of appetite and fatigue.
The treatment for this condition is, however, dependent on its level of seriousness. A physician may first prescribe antibiotics as his preferred first line treatment. If the infection proves more severe with the patient having problems swallowing, they may be required to stop ingesting food or liquid orally.
It is as well possible to avoid or lessen the risks of the condition. This is achievable by avoiding behaviors that can potentially cause aspiration for example excessive drinking. Proper oral hygiene together with dental care also significantly lessens the risks of this infection.
Different conditions increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Normally, as people age, they become less active. The risk is considered highest for people older than 75 years or individuals who have spent a long time in care center of in nursing home. At old age it becomes difficult to swallow or cough well, which increases the risk of this infection.
Other factors may as well enhance the risks of this type of pneumonia. These factors include weak immune systems resulting from diabetes, heart failure, age or other health conditions. In addition, the muscles that aid in the swallowing may become weak because of conditions like Alzheimer conditions, stroke or other diseases. Other risk matters include cigarette smoking, use of ventilators or feeding tubes that permit the passage of bacteria to the lungs, poor oral hygiene as well as alcoholism.
Aspiration pneumonia generally causes inflammations to the bronchial tubes as well as the lungs. Although the infection is not as common, there are possibilities of contracting it. Anaerobic bacteria commonly cause the infection. In addition, fungi and viruses can also cause pneumonia even though not with aspirations. Even though our immune system battles the invasion to prevent the occurrences of such infections, sometimes these germs can overpower the immune system. Under the normal circumstances, only air ought to enter our lungs, even though the infections can occur should anything hinder the usual gag reflex.
While other people can effectively force out aspirated material by a strong cough, some cannot since their ability to cough is impaired. This is common in unconscious people or in individuals who have had injuries in the brain and therefore resulting in continuous decreased consciousness. Other people also aspirate saliva while asleep in the night but they do not get the infection because they are in a position to clear inspired saliva and they also have a strong immune system.
This infection has various signs and symptoms. The symptoms are such as fever, coughing with or without bringing up mucus, pink or frothy spit, trouble swallowing, and bluish skin around the fingertips or around your mouth. Other symptoms are such as rapid heartbeat or chest pain, change in the voice such as hoarseness or gurgling, weight loss and loss of appetite and fatigue.
The treatment for this condition is, however, dependent on its level of seriousness. A physician may first prescribe antibiotics as his preferred first line treatment. If the infection proves more severe with the patient having problems swallowing, they may be required to stop ingesting food or liquid orally.
It is as well possible to avoid or lessen the risks of the condition. This is achievable by avoiding behaviors that can potentially cause aspiration for example excessive drinking. Proper oral hygiene together with dental care also significantly lessens the risks of this infection.
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