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Aspiration pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that occurs when foreign materials, such as food, liquids, or vomit, are inhaled into the lungs. This can happen when a person has difficulty swallowing due to a medical condition, such as stroke or dementia, or when they have impaired consciousness due to alcohol or drug use.
The foreign materials can cause inflammation and infection in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies such as chest X-ray or CT scan and laboratory analysis of sputum or blood samples.
Treatment of aspiration pneumonia typically involves antibiotics to treat the infection and supportive care to manage symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required, and mechanical ventilation may be necessary if the person has difficulty breathing. Prevention measures include addressing underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of aspiration, such as dysphagia, and taking precautions to avoid inhaling foreign materials during meals or when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.