Risk Factors For Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia is one of the most challenging types of pneumonia to fight. This kind of pneumonia occurs when individuals inhale (aspirate) food, fluid, or even gastric juices. In addition to the fluid and infection in the lungs seen in all types of pneumonia, individuals with this disease also have foreign material in their delicate alveoli, making it even more difficult to breathe. Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, and intense chest pain. While most individuals will never catch this disease, some factors could increase their chances.

Suffering From Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder in which the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus is looser than usual. Thus, stomach acids can easily splash up into the throat, causing a burning sensation similar to heartburn. If these gastric acids are inhaled, they also may cause aspiration pneumonia.

Gastric acid is very caustic, so lung tissues may be severely burned by aspiration. This can worsen the symptoms of pneumonia and cause a much longer recovery time. Aspiration pneumonia in patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease is almost always preventable. In most cases, gastroesophageal reflux disease can be effectively treated with medications and lifestyle changes.

Dealing With Lung Disease

Chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema can lead to a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia. Because patients with these diseases have to work harder to take in enough air, they often lose the natural coordination of breathing and swallowing that keeps healthy individuals from accidentally aspirating food and drinks.

Individuals dealing with lung disease are also more likely to struggle in recovering from pneumonia. Because their lungs are already weakened, they are more likely to spend an extended time in the hospital and require breathing support such as intubation. However, there are ways to lower risk. Issues with the coordination of swallowing and breathing can usually be identified by a speech therapy evaluation and treated with a few simple dietary changes.