pulmonary disorders
Aspiration Pneumonitis and Pneumonia
Introduction
Aspiration pneumonitis and pneumonia are caused by inhaling toxic and/or irritant substances, most commonly large volumes of upper airway secretions or gastric contents, into the lungs. Chemical pneumonitis, bacterial pneumonia, or airway obstruction can occur. Symptoms include cough and dyspnea. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and chest x-ray findings. Treatment and prognosis differ by aspirated substance. (See also Overview of Pneumonia .) Aspiration can cause lung inflammation (chemical pneumonitis), infection ( Overview of Pneumonia or Risk factors for aspiration include Impaired cognition or level of consciousness Impaired swallowing (such as occurs after some Overview of Stroke or other neurologic diseases) Vomiting Gastrointestinal devices and procedures (eg, nasogastric tube placement) Dental procedures Respiratory devices and procedures (eg, endotracheal tube placement—see Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia ) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) None 