What happens when a person aspirates?

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.

Can you survive aspiration?

At least 5 percent of people who are hospitalized for aspiration will die. Among those with other complications, such as emphysema, the mortality rate rises to 20 percent or higher. Among geriatric populations, mortality skyrockets. A 2013 study of elderly patients put 30-day mortality at 21 percent.

How long after aspiration do symptoms occur?

Patients often have a latent period after the aspiration event and the onset of symptoms. Symptoms usually occur within the first hour of aspiration, but almost all patients have symptoms within 2 hours of aspiration.

Can aspiration be cured?

Treatment involves antibiotics and supportive care for breathing. Your outlook depends on your state of health prior to the event, the type of foreign material that is aspirated into your lungs, and any other conditions you might have. Most people (79 percent) will survive aspiration pneumonia.

What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary aspiration?

Symptoms of aspiration can include coughing, wheezing, and painful swallowing. 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.

How can I tell if my child has aspiration?

Your child may have a signs such as breathing problems and a wet-sounding voice after meals. Some children with aspiration don’t have any signs or symptoms. This is known as silent aspiration. If your child has any symptoms of aspiration, he or she needs to be checked and treated right away.

What kind of health problems can be caused by aspiration?

While everyone aspirates occasionally, chronic aspiration can often be found in children with other health problems, including: 1 Prematurity 2 Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 3 Anatomic defects 4 Chronic heart disease 5 Congenital syndromes

What are the symptoms of aspiration from dysphagia?

Aspiration from dysphagia can cause symptoms such as: Feeling that food is sticking in your throat or coming back into your mouth. Pain when swallowing. Trouble starting a swallow. Coughing or wheezing after eating. Coughing while drinking liquids or eating solids.