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Aspiration Pneumonia
- 2. Aspiration Pneumonia Definition Aspiration pneumonia refers to an inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes caused by breathing in a foreign substance. Aspiration pneumonia can occur when a person incorrectly swallows food, liquids, mouth secretions, vomit, or any other substance, and it is passes into the respiratory tract into the lungs instead of into the stomach. Aspiration pneumonia is also caused by the absence of a gag reflex in people who are not fully conscious or alert, which is common in nursing home residents who are in a coma or who are suffering from other medical ailments and conditions. Aspiration pneumonia can be deadly, especially in the elderly, so it’s important to seek medical attention quickly if you suspect your loved one may have aspiration pneumonia
- 3. Symptoms of Aspiration Pneumonia There are a number of symptoms that may indicate a person has Aspiration Pneumonia, including: Fever Fatigue Cough (often accompanied with foul-smelling or green sputum) Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest pain Bluish coloration of the skin (caused by lack of oxygen) Rapid pulse/heart rate Excessive sweating Difficulty swallowin
- 4. Preventing Aspiration Pneumonia Aspiration Pneumonia is a very serious condition that can result in death. Therefore, it’s essential that a nursing home does whatever it can to ensure its residents do not contract aspiration pneumonia. If a resident already has aspiration pneumonia, the nursing home as a responsibility to ensure that its staff in no way makes the condition worse than it already is. Fortunately, there are some preventative measures that can be taken to ensure a resident doesn’t develop aspiration pneumonia, including: Making sure the resident’s bed is positioned or elevated to the proper angle Monitoring the resident during feedings to ensure he or she doesn’t choke Making sure the resident receives the right food (food that is easy to swallow, digest, and won’t further irritate the condition)
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