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Aspiration pneumonia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Anaerobic pneumonia; Aspiration of vomitus; Necrotizing pneumonia; Aspiration pneumonitis; Chemical pneumonitis

Treatment:

Some people may require hospitalization. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the pneumonia . Antibiotics, which treat the organisms in the environment, may be given. Patients may receive special antibiotics to treat organisms that live in the mouth.

The types of organisms present depend on the patient's health and location (private residence or chronic nursing facility, for instance).

Patients may need to have their swallowing function assessed. If they have trouble swallowing, patients may need to use other feeding methods.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome depends on the severity of the pneumonia, the type of organism, and the extent of lung involvement. If acute respiratory failure develops, the patient may have a prolonged illness or die.

Complications:

• Spread of infection to the blood stream (bacteremia)
• Spread of infection to other areas of the body
• Low blood pressure
• Shock
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Pneumonia with lung abscess

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider, go to the emergency room, or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have shortness of breath, wheezing, chills, fever, or chest pain.

References:

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003.

Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2007 . 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2006.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

• Review Date: 3/1/2007
• Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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