How To Diagnose And Treat Aspiration Pneumonia

Feeding Tube

Some patients dealing with aspiration pneumonia will receive a feeding tube. However, this is often a treatment reserved for chronic cases. In addition, the surgical insertion of a feeding tube also depends on the underlying cause of a patient's aspiration pneumonia. Some causes that may benefit from a feeding tube include those with throat cancer, esophageal disorders, and dental issues. A feeding tube is often an effective treatment for patients who have swallowing issues that do not improve with other treatments. This way, they can still receive adequate nutrition, which can help their body heal.

Keep reading to learn more about the treatment options available for this condition now.

Bronchodilators

Some patients dealing with aspiration pneumonia will need to take bronchodilators. This type of medication helps individuals breathe better. They do it by widening the patient's airways and relaxing their lung muscles. Individuals with this form of pneumonia often need this medication to help get the phlegm off of their chest. Patients may receive either short-acting or long-acting bronchodilators to treat their condition. Of course, it is worth understanding that patients can typically only have long-acting bronchodilators if they take them with corticosteroids. Although patients may receive them separately, an increasing number of combination inhalers offer both medications.