Aspiration pneumonia is common among seniors, people with dysphagia, and people with chronic breathing disorders. It can also occur during or following surgery, or subsequent to a sudden trauma. Mortality rates vary greatly, and rise with patient age and comorbidities, as well as the total volume of aspirated fluids. Among those with emphysema, it may be as high as 20 percent. Reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia can save lives, reduce healthcare expenditures, and prevent health system crowding.
There are many risk factors for aspiration pneumonia. Knowing whether and when a patient is at risk makes intervening easier. Be mindful of these threats:
Health providers can adopt a number of strategies to reduce the risk of aspiration. Those include:
To properly treat a patient, you must know the signs of aspiration. They include:
Older adults, especially those who are very ill, may exhibit fewer signs than younger, healthier counterparts. So monitor not just for signs of aspiration, but also for obvious risks. For example, if a senior has been pocketing food or coughing after drinking, they may be at risk for aspiration.
The right equipment can both prevent and treat aspiration pneumonia. In the operating room and among patients who cannot clear their airway secretions, suction is the primary weapon in the fight to prevent aspiration. When a patient begins aspirating, prompt suctioning can save their life. Aspiration mortality directly correlates with the volume of aspirate a patient inhales.
Portable emergency suction empowers health providers to act quickly no matter where they encounter patients and regardless of which medical procedures they assist with. For help choosing the right machine for your agency, download our free e-book, The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing a Portable Emergency Suction Device.
Editor's Note: This blog was originally posted in May of 2020 and has since been updated with newer content.