Pulmonary aspiration is the medical term for a person accidentally inhaling an object or fluid into their windpipe and lungs. This can lead to coughing, difficulty breathing, discomfort, and sometimes choking. In this article, we discuss the different meanings of aspiration and describe causes, risk factors, and complications.
We also look into treatment and prevention strategies, how aspiration affects children, and when to see a doctor. Aspiration has two health-related meanings. One is a medical condition, and the other is a procedure, so it is helpful to understand the difference. Pulmonary aspiration is a condition that occurs when a person inhales a foreign substance into their windpipe and lungs. It often happens when something a person is eating or drinking goes down the wrong way. Or, it can occur when someone breathes in:.
These substances can partially block the airways and irritate the lungs, which can lead to coughing, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms. Aspiration can also refer to a medical procedure, during which a healthcare professional uses a suction tube or needle to remove harmful fluid from the lungs, joints, abscesses, or other organs or tissues.
A doctor may also perform aspiration to take a sample of fluid and test it for signs of infection, cancer cells, or the presence of certain substances. However, if the substance even partially blocks the windpipe or irritates the lungs, it can lead to:. Usually when a person eats or drinks, the food or liquid moves from the mouth into the throat and down through the esophagus, or food pipe, into the stomach. Pulmonary aspiration occurs when the substance accidentally passes into the windpipe and lungs instead of the esophagus.
This typically results from a problem with the swallowing reflex or a lack of tongue control. Aspiration can also occur while a person is having surgery under anesthesia.
The stomach contents can travel up to the mouth, then down through the windpipe and into the lungs. This is why doctors often ask people to fast before having a surgical procedure. Anesthetists also take precautions to prevent aspiration, such as by protecting the airways with intubation after administering anesthesia. Most people occasionally aspirate something into their lungs, and certain issues can increase this risk.
A cross-sectional study investigated risk factors for aspiration in people who had experienced at least one stroke. The research indicated that participants with any of the following conditions were seven times more likely to develop aspiration:.
Aspiration can introduce harmful foreign bodies or substances into the lungs, which can create additional problems. For example, when a person aspirates something that contains harmful bacteria into the lungs, this can lead to infection and inflammation , which characterize a condition called aspiration pneumonia. Regular coughing that occurs during meals or repeatedly awakens you from sleep may point to a swallowing disorder or muscle coordination issues.
And if the batter smacks a home run at that baseball game? Make sure you swallow your peanuts before you start to cheer. What exactly happens when food or drink goes down your windpipe instead of your esophagus? Pulmonologist Bohdan Pichurko, MD, explains this phenomenon, known as aspiration.
Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. The most common complication from aspiration is aspiration pneumonia, which accounts for up to 15 percent of pneumonia cases contracted outside of hospital settings, reports Healthline.
People with healthy digestive and respiratory systems are less likely to contract pneumonia after aspirating. Unfortunately, the same people who are at risk for aspirating are also often at risk for contracting pneumonia as a result. Complications from aspiration can develop almost immediately or may take several days. Any of these signs after a known aspiration event, or in a person who is at high risk for aspiration, should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Remember PJ? Now his support team knows a lot more about aspiration. They know that PJ is at risk for it happening again, so they have a plan to help him stay safe and healthy. Someone you work with is probably also at risk. By knowing these tips, you will be better equipped to prevent aspiration and respond if it happens. DSPs and other caregivers need to know how aspiration and the rest of the Fatal Four — dehydration , constipation , and seizures — interact and potentially cause other serious health problems.
The only way to keep the Fatal Four from claiming more lives is education and prevention. Dehydration Signs and Risk Factors. How Constipation Impacts Health. Get the latest articles straight to your inbox and better navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Know what it means. Leaders at IDD organizations have faced unprecedented amounts of change. Here are 5 tips for leading through change. DSP turnover consumes a tremendous about of time and resources. Get Started. How do you help a person with an intellectual disability achieve a higher quality of life? Aspiration Risk in Individuals with Down Syndrome Individuals with Down syndrome DS are at high risk for dysphagia-related aspiration due to the structure of their esophagus and low muscle tone.
What Are the Symptoms? DSPs should be aware of the following signs: Sudden coughing, wheezing, or hoarseness Drooling Changes in breathing patterns Regular coughing or sneezing while eating Gurgling sounds or voice after eating Excessive throat clearing These signs do not always indicate aspiration.
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