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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Aspiration Pneumonia: Prevention & Expectations
      Category : Health Centers > Respiratory System (Lungs and Breathing)

Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration Pneumonia | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Diligent care by healthcare providers is critical in helping to prevent aspiration pneumonia. The airway must always be open and stable in people with altered mental status or abnormal swallowing. Feeding and breathing tubes should be checked for proper functioning. Avoiding alcohol intoxication will help to prevent aspiration pneumonia.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Life-threatening illness may result from aspiration pneumonia, including:

  • atelectasis, which is a collapsed or poorly inflated lung
  • a lung abscess, or pus-filled cavity
  • respiratory failure
  • sepsis or blood infection
  • pleuritis, or an infection in the membranes surrounding the lungs
  • What are the risks to others?

    Aspiration pneumonia is not a direct risk to family members or health care providers. However, the person may develop a more serious infection if the condition is not effectively treated. This more serious infection may be highly contagious.


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    Aspiration Pneumonia: Diagnosis & Tests

     

    Aspiration Pneumonia: Treatment & Monitoring

    Author: Lanita Dawson, MD
    Reviewer: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Date Reviewed: 09/11/01



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