What it means
When material goes down the windpipe instead of the esophagus (aspirationas-puh-RAY-shunBreathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.Full entry ), bacteria from the mouth and stomach can infect the lungs. People most at risk have trouble swallowing (such as after a stroke), a lowered level of consciousness, a feeding tube, or poor mouth care. It often affects the lower part of the right lung, because of the way the right airway branches.
For the nurse
Prevent it: screen swallowing before oral intake when ordered, keep the client upright for meals and for 30 minutes after, raise the head of the bed for tube feeds, and give regular mouth care.
At a glance
| Spanish | neumonía por aspiración |
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Related terms
aspiration
Breathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.
pneumonia
An infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.
ischemic stroke
A stroke caused by a blocked artery that cuts off blood flow to part of the brain.