In this article, we will discuss the Definition of Aspiration Pneumonia.So, let’s get started.
Definition
It is due to aspiration of foreign material into the lungs. Aspiration Pneumonia may occur during anaesthesia or recovery from anaesthesia. Patients receiving enteral feeding therapies may also be at risk of developing aspiration pneumonia. It occurs as a result of inhalation or aspiration of infected solid or liquid material into the lungs. Large volumes of aspirate causes asphyxia, smaller amounts cause a necrotic or gangrenous pneumonia, in anterior and ventral parts of the lung. There is profound toxemia, cough, gargling or squeaky rales, and usually pleurisy producing pleural friction rub. Signs and Symptoms include fever, hemoptysis, increased respiratory rate, foul-smelling sputum. Complications include exudative pleural effusion, empyema, and lung abscess. If continual aspiration occurs, the chronic inflammation can cause compensatory thickening of the inside of the lungs, resulting in bronchiectasis.