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Signs and symptoms of aspiration pneumonia may develop gradually, with increased respiratory rate, foul-smelling sputum, hemoptysis, and fever. Complications may occur, such as exudative pleural effusion, empyema, and lung abscesses. [4] If left untreated, aspiration pneumonia can progress to form a lung abscess. [5]
Pulmonary aspiration is the entry of solid or liquid material such as pharyngeal secretions, food, drink, or stomach contents from the oropharynx or gastrointestinal tract, into the trachea and lungs. [1] When pulmonary aspiration occurs during eating and drinking, the aspirated material is often colloquially referred to as "going down the ...
Signs of foreign body aspiration are usually abrupt in onset and can involve coughing, choking, and/or wheezing; however, symptoms can be slower in onset if the foreign body does not cause a large degree of obstruction of the airway. [2] With this said, aspiration can also be asymptomatic on rare occasions. [1]
In an elderly person, the first sign of hospital-acquired pneumonia may be mental changes or confusion. Other symptoms may include: A cough with greenish or pus-like phlegm (sputum) Fever and chills; General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise) Loss of appetite; Nausea and vomiting
In the setting of lower airway aspiration, patients may develop pneumonia like symptoms such as fever, chest pain, foul smelling sputum, or blood in sputum (hemoptysis). In the case of long term foreign body aspiration, patients may present with signs of lobar pneumonia or pleural effusion.
In elderly people, confusion may be the most prominent sign. [9] The typical signs and symptoms in children under five are fever, cough, and fast or difficult breathing. [23] Fever is not very specific, as it occurs in many other common illnesses and may be absent in those with severe disease, malnutrition or in the elderly.
Additional consideration is given to the treatment setting; most patients are cured by oral medication, while others must be hospitalized for intravenous therapy or intensive care. Current treatment guidelines recommend a beta-lactam, like amoxicillin, and a macrolide, like azithromycin or clarithromycin, or a quinolone, such as levofloxacin.
The treatment is divided according to the type of abscess, acute or chronic. For acute cases the treatment is [citation needed] [9] [10] antibiotics: if anaerobic: metronidazole or clindamycin; if aerobic: beta-lactams, cephalosporins; if MRSA or Staphylococcus infection: vancomycin or linezolid; postural drainage and chest physiotherapy