Friday 13 October 2017

Get To Know About Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention

By Brenda West


Ideally, aspirated pneumonia is a condition that results from the inhalation of oropharynx secretions or stomach contents that then causes infections to the lower respiratory tract. In a number of healthy adults, low levels of aspiration frequently occurs and the usual defense mechanisms is lung cilia and coughs that removes these materials without any side effects. Nevertheless, in severe conditions, aspiration pneumonia prevention is then deemed essential.

Aspiration presents a number of effects. First is chemical pneumonitis where chemical irritations that occurs to your lungs and may advance into respiratory distress syndrome or bacterial infections. Again, acute aspiration of gastric content to the lungs could generate serious and fatal illnesses. The second effect is obstructions. This entails the blockage of the respiratory tract by aspirated contents.

The third possible effect is bacterial infections. Infections to the airways usually results in lung abscess, empyema, acute lung injuries or even respiratory failure. On the other hand, if the condition is persistent could be as a result of anaerobes and may develop into bronchiectasis or lung abscess. There are a number of predisposing or risk factors for the condition. One is poor oral hygiene.

Many people more so, adults aspirate saliva when they get asleep. However, right cough reflex, ciliary movement, proper hygiene, as well as the usual immunity, makes sure that no harmful effects are resulting from saliva aspiration. Additionally, dysphagia or swallowing dysfunctions are some of the factors. Other factors are such as particular medications which inhibit the flow of the saliva. They include anxiolytics, anticholinergics, levopoda, diuretics and antipsychotics that increase the concentration of the bacteria in the oral cavity by reducing the saliva flow.

Certain drugs as well cause impairments in swallowing. All these may ultimately cause the condition. Patients particularly those who are old and are normally fed using tubes remain highly predisposed to the condition. Normally, feeding through these tubes cause neglect of oral hygiene thus increasing the chances of contracting this condition. However, there are various measures that may be adopted to prevent the, when taken to hospital, . Proper oral hygiene is one key way.

Studies have shown that cleaning of dentures, having frequent oral health care and tooth brushing are some of the vital interventions that can assist in reduce aspiration pneumonia. These are ways that can be adopted to ensure proper oral hygiene. The other prevention measure is to adjust medications. Cutting down the use of medications as well as keeping away drugs that result in the decreased salivary flow will lessen the risks of developing this condition.

Where possible, sedation medications should be avoided. In addition, a person can withhold medications which could raise your gastric pH so as to prevent the condition. On the other hand, patients who may not be at a position of eating by themselves can be assisted to hand feed. This is one viable and suitable alternative to the reliance on tubes in feeding particularly with agitated patients.

The other vital prevention measure is identifying persons at higher risks of contracting the condition. These are such as the aged, those who suffer from swallowing disorders, those having a history of seizure, mental illness or stroke and persons who vomit frequently. In the event that such persons are admitted in a hospital, there is the need for proper care so as to reduce the chances of developing this condition.




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