Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia
The main symptoms of aspiration pneumonia are:
- Fever above 38ºC;
- A cough with phlegm, which often has a bad smell;
- Feeling short of breath;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Chest pain;
- Tired easily.
Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia in babies can vary, mainly manifesting as excessive crying and decreased appetite.
In older people, there may also be mental confusion and decreased muscle strength, and fever may or may not be present in some cases.
Read also: Bronchoaspiration: what it is, why it happens (and what to do)Watch the following video with biomedical scientist Marcela Lemos on how to recognize the symptoms of aspiration pneumonia:
How is the diagnosis made?
Aspiration pneumonia is diagnosed by a pulmonologist or general practitioner based on an assessment of the signs and symptoms presented by the individual and their medical history.
Schedule an appointment with the pulmonologist nearest to you:
In addition, to confirm pneumonia and its cause, imaging tests such as chest X-rays and abdominal ultrasound may be performed, and in some cases, blood tests such as a complete blood count, and microbiological analysis of sputum.
It may also be advisable to perform an oxygen saturation assessment, which evaluates the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. See more about oxygen saturation.
Possible causes
The main causes of aspiration pneumonia are:
- Breathing with the aid of machines;
- Stroke or Parkinson's disease;
- Unconsciousness due to medication or anesthesia;
- Gastroesophageal reflux;
- Choking on vomit;
- Esophageal malformations;
- After dental, digestive, or respiratory diagnostic or surgical procedures.
This type of pneumonia can occur more frequently in babies and older people, making it important to identify the cause of the pneumonia so that the most appropriate treatment can be started.
Aspiration pneumonia in a baby
Aspiration pneumonia in infants is one of the leading lung infections in children under 1 year of age.
This is because it is common for infants to choke or put small objects in their mouths that can go into their lungs.
This type of pneumonia is usually caused by choking on vomit, and can occur when the baby has esophageal malformations, such as atresia, or when they regurgitate while lying on their back, for example.
Read also: Esophageal atresia: what it is, symptoms, causes, types and treatmentHow is the treatment done?
Treatment for aspiration pneumonia should be carried out according to the pulmonologist's recommendations and varies depending on its cause.
The main treatments for aspiration pneumonia are:
1. Antibiotics for aspiration pneumonia
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for aspiration pneumonia, as they help fight bacteria that have caused the infection in the lungs.
The main antibiotics that a doctor may prescribe are amoxicillin, doxycycline, azithromycin, or levofloxacin, for example.
Read also: 8 antibiotics for pneumonia (and other treatments)In more severe cases, hospital admission may be recommended to receive intravenous antibiotics.
2. Oxygen therapy
Oxygen therapy for aspiration pneumonia may be prescribed by a pulmonologist to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body.
This type of treatment is done with a catheter or oxygen mask, for example.
In more severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be indicated.
Read also: Mechanical ventilation: what it is, what it's for, types and risks3. Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is indicated for recurrent aspiration pneumonia, to help prevent further episodes of pneumonia in people with stroke or Parkinson's disease, for example.
This type of treatment involves exercises that help strengthen the muscles involved in speech and swallowing, preventing frequent choking and aspiration of secretions from the mouth into the trachea.
4. Changes in lifestyle habits
Changes in lifestyle habits are important to treat the cause of aspiration pneumonia and prevent new episodes of pneumonia.
Therefore, dietary changes may be indicated for gastroesophageal reflux, or a more pureed or liquid diet for people with stroke or Parkinson's disease. See how to make a pureed diet .
Read also: Diet for reflux: what to eat and what to avoidFurthermore, during treatment, you should always brush your teeth, keeping your mouth clean and clearing your throat, because these are excellent ways to prevent bacteria from traveling from the mouth to the lungs.
Possible complications
The main complications of aspiration pneumonia are:
- Lung abscesses;
- Empyema ;
- Malnutrition or dehydration;
- Sepsis;
- Respiratory failure.
Therefore, you should consult a pulmonologist or go to the hospital as soon as symptoms of aspiration pneumonia appear, in order to receive treatment and avoid life-threatening complications.
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