Pulmonary aspiration, lung inflammation due to the entry of foreign objects

Pulmonary aspiration is a condition when foreign objects enter the respiratory tract as a result of ingestion or inhalation. This condition causes several respiratory problems, such as coughing and difficulty breathing and inflammation in the lungs. At first glance the aspiration condition is similar to choking, but in fact the two are different. So, is pulmonary aspiration more dangerous?

What causes pulmonary aspiration?

Pulmonary aspiration commonly occurs in adults, infants, and people who have difficulty swallowing or controlling the tongue. People who have had a stroke are one of the people who are at risk of developing this condition.

Foreign objects that enter the airway and cause pulmonary aspiration can be food, water, fluids, stomach acid, poisonous gases, and pollutants. In the case of drowning, water can also enter the lungs and cause aspiration. Likewise with people who often cough due to stomach acid. Stomach acid often enters the lungs, especially when sleeping.

The difference between aspiration and choking lies in the air moving in the airways. Aspiration conditions do not cause the airways to close completely as if you were choking on food. When you experience aspiration, air can still go in and out of the lungs even though it is obstructed.

Reporting from the U.S National Library of Medicine, the condition of subsequent aspiration can cause inflammation in the lungs. Especially when food, drink, and saliva that should enter the digestive tract instead enter the lungs.

The bacteria contained in them can then cause infections in the lungs, such as aspiration pneumonia. If allowed to damage the tissue in the lungs due to infection can cause lung abscess or the formation of pus.

Disorders caused by pulmonary aspiration

This condition can cause you to cough continuously. Coughing occurs because the lungs try to remove foreign objects that enter the airways, which hinders the breathing process. Coughing can be chronic if the foreign object is not removed from the lungs.

Apart from coughing, people who are aspirated can also experience a number of symptoms such as:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Cough accompanied by greenish phlegm and even coughs up blood
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Sweating
• Difficulty breathing

Who is most at risk of aspiration?

Everyone is generally at risk for this condition. However, there are people who are more prone to experiencing this condition because of their physical conditions and limitations.

Some people who are more at risk of developing pulmonary aspiration include:

• Stroke patients generally have difficulty swallowing or chewing food properly because of damage to their nerves.
• People who have had head injuries and are starting to learn to eat again.
• Newborn babies are generally also at risk for this condition. This is caused by the baby's immature bowel movements so that it is at risk for aspiration.

People with health problems related to difficulty swallowing also have a higher risk of developing pulmonary aspiration. Some of these health conditions include:

• Frequent fainting.
• Have lung disease.
• Having dental problems.
• Have dementia.
• Experiencing mental disorders.
• Have certain neurological diseases.
• Is doing radiation therapy to the head and neck.
• Have a chronic acid reflux disorder such as GERD.

In addition, children are also at a higher risk of developing pulmonary aspiration, if they have conditions such as:

• Experiencing slow growth due to premature birth.
• Have Down Syndrome.
• Experience cerebral palsy or neuromuscular disease, such as spinal muscle atrophy.

How do doctors diagnose this condition?

Before treating this condition, your doctor will ask you if you have any symptoms of aspiration, especially after eating.

The doctor will also perform a physical examination to check for any complaints that are suspected of being a symptom of pulmonary aspiration or to look for signs of pneumonia or pulmonary edema. The doctor may also check for other conditions related to the ability to swallow or an underlying condition such as GERD.

If your doctor finds that aspiration might develop into other complications, he or she will ask you to do some tests to see if there is food or fluid in your lungs. Some of these tests include:

• Chest X-ray
• Sputum culture
• Bronchoscopy
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the chest area

To get a more definite diagnosis, the doctor will usually ask you to do special examinations such as barium esophagography .

When doing the test, the doctor will ask you to drink barium fluid to see the condition of the esophagus. When you swallow this liquid, you will see an image or object that is suspected to be in your lungs that can be seen on an X-ray.

Pulmonary aspiration treatment

The treatment given for this condition varies depending on the cause of the aspiration of the lung. If pulmonary aspiration is caused by an inflammatory bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment is required.

However, treatment of pulmonary aspiration primarily aims at removing the fluid or blockage that causes inflammation in the lungs.

The doctor will usually perform a procedure to pull the substance, foreign object, or liquid through a suction device such as through a plastic tube or method arthocentesis . This method of treatment is carried out if it is caused by:

• The infection causes the formation of pus or lung abscess.
• Difficulty swallowing due to certain diseases, aspiration can cause a buildup of fluid in the cavity between the lung and lung walls such as pleural effusion.
• Inflammation or swelling due to the buildup of fluid that was produced during the infection or initial inflammation.
• Certain health conditions that require the sufferer to use a tracheostomy tube which functions to clean the respiratory tract continuously.

How can you prevent this condition?

Preventing the entry of foreign bodies into the respiratory tract resulting in lung aspiration can be done in the following ways:

• Take a break before starting your meal, don't rush when eating.
• Eat food that has been cut into small pieces.
• Make sure food is completely swallowed before drinking water.
• Sit upright 90 degrees while eating.
• Choose foods that are easier to chew and swallow.
• Practice proper chewing and swallowing techniques so you don't choke easily.
• Visit your dentist regularly to find out what dental problems can trigger aspiration conditions.
• Avoid using sedatives or medications that dry your mouth before eating (reduce saliva production).

Children who have pulmonary aspiration are at increased risk for dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, and other diseases. Fortunately, you can still minimize your child's risk of developing this condition by:

• Make sure they are seated in the correct position at mealtimes.
• Dilute thick foods or drinks when the child is having trouble swallowing.
• Train your children to chew and swallow food properly.
• Cook and process food for babies into a form that is easier to swallow.
• Avoid giving bottles filled with milk / breast milk to babies who are lying down. Always keep your upper body on a higher level.

In severe and high-risk cases of aspiration, your child may need a feeding tube to make sure they are getting enough nutrition until their condition improves.

Talk to your doctor if you think your child has a problem with aspiration. It is important to see a doctor to make sure that this condition has not caused complications.