Aspiration pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It happens when food or liquid goes down the windpipe into the lungs, rather than into the stomach.
How Does This Happen?
This can happen when a person develops problems with swallowing. Diseases such as stroke, Parkinson's Disease, or multiple sclerosis can cause swallowing problems. Sometimes, changes in the body that occur with aging can also cause this problem.
Aspiration pneumonia can also happen when food, liquids, or tube feedings are vomited into the lungs and not coughed out properly. Everyone sometimes has a small amount of food "go the wrong way." In most cases, these small amounts are removed by strong coughing. This usually doesn't cause pneumonia.
How is Aspiration Pneumonia Treated?
Treatment for aspiration pneumonia usually includes:
Chest Physical Therapy - Therapists work with the patient to encourage deep breathing and coughing. They also use a "clapping" treatment on the side of the chest. This helps loosen the secretions from the pneumonia.
Suctioning - Nurses and therapists sometimes use a small tube to remove the secretions in the lungs caused by the pneumonia. The tube is placed in the nose or mouth and moved into the lungs. The tube is attached to a suction machine which removes the secretions.
Intravenous antibiotics - These are medicines used to treat the infection. They are given through the intravenous (IV) line.
Oxygen - Sometimes people need oxygen while the infection heals, The oxygen is given through the nose or a face mask.
How Can Aspiration Pneumonia Be Prevented?
Some people who have had aspiration pneumonia are at risk for getting it again. To reduce your risk, you can:
Sit up straight when eating or drinking. Sitting in a chair is best.
Eat slowly. Take small bites of food and small sips of liquid.
Stay sitting for about 30 minutes after eating, if you can.
When you are in bed, keep your head raised with pillows. You should rest and sleep in sitting position in bed as much as possible.
See if changing the consistency and temperature of the food makes it easier to swallow. For example, it may be easier to swallow thicker liquids than thin liquids.
You can also ask your doctor for a referral to a swallowing therapist.
This material was produced by The Beth Israel Deaconess Learning Center
