Strategies To Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention

By Helen Ward


There are various kinds of illnesses. There are those which can be prevented and those which cannot. Those that can be prevented require individual effort in following all the preventive measures in order to avoid acquiring the illness. On this paper we shall discus some of the procedures of aspiration pneumonia prevention.

Raising the Head when taking food and other related substances. There are instances where being on inappropriate posture poses serious health problems. These instances include when one is taking meals or medication. Taking meals or medication in a bed while seated or the head inclined in an upright posture is highly recommended. It allows easy passage of the substances into the esophagus and prevents chocking.

Use of the Required Amount of Sedatives. Sedatives relives an individual the effects of pain and bring relaxation. It also helps in reduction of coughs and gags to an individual who experience this problem. This prevents an individual from chocking as a result of saliva entering into the windpipe. However, these drugs can bring adverse effects if not properly used. Such effects include hindering of gastric emptying which may lead to accumulation of excess acid in the stomach.

Maintaining Proper Eating Etiquettes. Every individual is encouraged to keep quite while eating. This is so because when somebody is talking, the upper part of the windpipe usually opens and may allow entry of food. Observing this basic table manner will help in preventing the food or other ingested material from finding their way into the windpipe which can lead to health problems.

Avoid Inserting Objects into the Nose. The nose offers a passage of air in to the lower respiratory track. This opening also can offer entry of other things which can pose danger to individuals health. One should avoid inserting objects into the nose because they may slip inside and cause infections especially when such objects have disease-causing microorganisms.

Seek out for Medical Help as soon as you Suspect signs of Infection. Every infection including that of aspiration pneumonia has specific signs that show up immediately when one is infected. It is crucial for one to seek medical attention when suspecting any infection. This helps in preventing the advancement of the infection by getting proper preventive medication and following the doctors advice.

Abide by the Doctors Assistance. It is good to consult and follow what the doctor or other medical practitioners suggest about a given preventive measure. The doctors always give the best ways of preventing a given medical condition and following these guidelines enable an individual from acquiring and infection that might lead to an illness.

Falling ill as a result of ignorance or negligence is often painful and come with costs. It reduces individual ability to engage in productive activities due to poor health. It is important for every person to follow all the preventive measures laid forward in avoiding infection. This requires individual discipline and determination in avoiding all the risk factors.




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