Saturday, November 24, 2018

Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

By Lisa Cole


Aspiration pneumonia is defined as swelling or inflammation of lungs or airways to the lungs. It results from breathing of foreign bodies that end up into the bronchial tubes. The best aspiration pneumonia prevention strategy is understanding the condition and how to deal with it effectively. Here is a brief on the condition that will help you identify the best solutions in your case.

A lot of people end up aspiring during sleep. Fluids and semi liquids in form of saliva, vomit and other particles end up in your lungs because of problems with muscles or positioning of your neck. It is only a small percentage of people that gets to the medically critical stage. To avoid falling victim, it is advisable that you understand the condition. The body has natural reflexes that prevent food or unwanted particles from ending up in your lungs.

Research indicates that only 4 percent of people with aspiration issues get to the critical phase. There are symptoms that will help you avoid escalation of the condition. Pus in lungs or lung abscess is a condition that is best diagnosed through scans. Swelling of lungs and surrounding tissues should raise an alarm and lead you to seek immediate medical attention. There are infections in lungs that if left to escalate will lead to pneumonic conditions.

There are risk factors that you should be aware of in order to prevent this condition from occurring. Persons who are less alert due to illnesses or when taking medicines are likely to end up with foreign objects. A person who goes into a coma might end up with liquids down his or her lungs. Too much alcohol and general anesthesia also expose you to these dangers.

Foreign bodies landing into your lungs are problematic because it leads to introduction of bacteria. Sleep is considered as the leading cause of aspiration exposing people to pneumonia. Good oral hygiene will also protect you from bacteria sliding down your lungs. Persons who practice good oral hygiene have up to 50 percent reduced chances of infections.

Prevention depends on the cause of pneumonia and extent of disposal. Treatment will be made easier and more effective when you know the conditions to avoid. Most experts point at the need to maintain good oral hygiene because the percentage of bacteria in saliva will be reduced. Keep the head at 45 degrees inclination or more immediately after meals. Clean the mouth up to three times in a day.

Deal with swallowing disorder as soon as it manifests. You need a careful examination of disease history and other related medical scenarios. Observe the effectiveness and reactions of swallowing muscles. The posture when you are feeding should be observed. Be cautious when you take liquids and recognize that they are the easiest foreign bodies to end up in your throat.

Treatment of aspiration pneumonia will depend on cause and symptoms. In case you are experiencing swallowing difficulties, you are a candidate for evaluation. There are speech therapists and other specialists who will provide a personalized solution based on your problem.




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