Sunday, 1 June 2014

Principles Of Aspiration Precautions In Perspective

By Nora Jennings


Many people have at one point or the other experienced a problem with food or other objects going into the breathing system and causing discomfort to the individuals. As such, it is very important for us to evaluate various aspiration precautions which may help us to prevent or deal with such problems when they occur.

People aspirate differently. For instance, when a person takes in food and fluids into the lungs, this may be in the form of inhaled drinks, pieces of food, saliva, vomit or acids from the stomach. In case that happens, one may be faced with the danger of suffering pneumonia or heavy clogging of pus in the lungs.

Some of the causes of aspiration include when one experiences a seizure, when the esophagus gets narrower, infection of neurological diseases, when one has undertaken a surgery involving sedatives and anesthetics, in case of stroke, aging, decreased alertness, consuming lots of alcohol, developing a food tube and taking medicines that lead to drowsiness, confusion or weakness.

For one to determine whether a person is suffering from aspiration, a number of indicators may be used. These include, coughing after swallowing food, liquids and other substances, strain in breathing, yellow sputum, tan in saliva, hoarseness of the voice, bad smell, fever, and the body becoming blue due to insufficient oxygen.

When aspiration occurs, some diagnostics are performed to establish the extent to which the problem has affected the individual. Mostly, a caregiver examines how the victim swallows food and drinks and advises the person appropriately. Moreover, an X-ray of the chest may be done. This X-ray shows any changes in the normal structure and functioning of the lungs. In some circumstances, a bronchoscopy is performed. Here, fitted with a camera, a thin flexible tube is inserted in the nose or mouth of the sufferer and projected into the lungs to view tissues and remove unwanted particles.

Several preventive measures may be undertaken in case a person aspirates. For instance, if a person cannot drink through the mouth, they be made to sit upright, let them eat slowly and chew carefully, avoid distracting them, check if there may be left over food in the mouth, keep them still in upright position for thirty minutes after eating and finally their last meal should be at least two hours before they sleep.

If the victim has a feeding tube and cannot feed through the mouth, he should sit upright during the pumping of the food and the flow of the food in the tube directed by the caregiver to prevent excessive food flow.

Simple precautionary practices may be used in order to avoid aspiration. To start with, only small food amounts should be eaten. One should avoid eating or drinking when they are not alert. Again, when brushing ones teeth, very little water should be used. Finally, oral care is essential before and after feeding.

In the event of rapid or slow breathing, instant care should be effected. This is mainly when a person coughs severally and strongly after eating and if he or she has fever or other signs persisting for more than 3 days.




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