--- title: The Rise In Opioid Overdoses Spotlights Added Risks Of Aspiration Pneumonia description: The ramifications and unintended consequences stemming from COVID-19 continue to reverberate throughout the population. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/14115534-doctor-examining-a-lung-radiography.jpeg --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [The Rise In Opioid Overdoses Spotlights Added Risks Of Aspiration Pneumonia](https://blog.sscor.com/the-rise-in-opioid-overdoses-spotlights-added-risks-of-aspiration-pneumonia) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) May 15, 2025 8:00:00 AM 3 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/the-rise-in-opioid-overdoses-spotlights-added-risks-of-aspiration-pneumonia#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/the-rise-in-opioid-overdoses-spotlights-added-risks-of-aspiration-pneumonia#) 0 ![Record rise in opioid overdoses spotlights added risks of aspiration pneumonia ](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Record%20rise%20in%20opioid%20overdoses%20spotlights%20added%20risks%20of%20aspiration%20pneumonia%20.jpg?width=864&name=Record%20rise%20in%20opioid%20overdoses%20spotlights%20added%20risks%20of%20aspiration%20pneumonia%20.jpg)   As if the challenges first responders and health care providers face on a daily basis weren’t already enough, a new crisis has emerged in the form of an old foe – opioids. Overdose [deaths in 2022](https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/understanding-the-opioid-overdose-epidemic.html#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20opioid%2Dinvolved,by%20different%20types%20of%20opioids.) amounted to nearly 108,000, 10 times the number in 1999. Of these overdose deaths, 76% were from opioid use.   Anyone overdosing on opioids or taking sedating medications is also at an [increased risk of aspiration](https://blog.sscor.com/6-strategies-to-help-prevent-aspiration-pneumonia-in-adults), as these types of drugs can affect a person’s ability to swallow. Aspiration refers to inhaling foreign material into the lungs and lower airways. This can include blood, vomit, and oropharyngeal secretions, as well as exogenous substances. Aspiration pneumonia can develop as a resulting complication.   With healthcare resources such as EMTs and emergency room workers exhausted and spread thin, it’s become more of a challenge to monitor the signs of potentially [dying from aspiration pneumonia](https://blog.sscor.com/8-signs-of-dying-from-aspiration-pneumonia) and have a plan in place to quickly and effectively treat it.   [![New: Ultimate Guide To Purchasing A Portable Emergency Suction Device](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678)   ## **Signs, symptoms, and complications associated with aspiration pneumonia** When patients have breathing difficulties, medical personnel should always evaluate them for the following [signs and symptoms](https://blog.sscor.com/signs-symptoms-and-treatment-of-aspiration-pneumonia) of aspiration pneumonia:   - Blue lips, tongue, or fingers  - Difficulty swallowing  - Shortness of breath or trouble breathing  - Chest pain  - Sweating  - Raspy sounds from the throat or chest  - Unexplained sweating  - Symptoms of a lower respiratory infection    Aspiration pneumonia can also cause numerous complications, including:   - Sepsis - Respiratory failure  - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)  - Bacterial pneumonia    ## **Prompt and effective treatment is essential** In the immediate aftermath of aspiration, a patient may be unable to breathe or swallow, presenting a medical emergency. After the risk of hypoxia has passed, the dangers of aspiration pneumonia have not.   Rapidly clearing the airway is critically important. Following an aspiration event, patients may need hospitalization and continuous monitoring, especially if they swallowed a large volume of contaminated fluid.   The right suction machine can help you promptly intervene to stop or prevent aspiration and to reduce the volume of aspirate a patient inhales.    [![New: Determining the Contents of Your First-In Bag: What Every Paramedic Should Consider. Free Guide & Checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/bb7f2de5-6d9a-4d03-ab05-2f80845478d7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/bb7f2de5-6d9a-4d03-ab05-2f80845478d7)   Suctioning [plays an essential role](https://blog.sscor.com/the-importance-of-suction-in-pulmonary-aspiration-emergencies) in preventing aspiration. Effective suctioning keeps oral and gastric juices from entering the trachea, which can be inhaled during respiration or forced deeper into the lungs during assisted ventilation. Here are a few reminders when it comes to suctioning your patients:   - **Keep the suction unit handy**: it’s no good to you if it’s not on hand. - **Check the unit at the start of each shift**: Ensure your equipment is operational and ready to go. - **Clean the suction unit after each use**: while it can save a life, it can also be a contaminant if not properly disinfected. - **Use proper technique**: Suction, like any lifesaving procedure, can be ineffective and dangerous if not properly utilized. - Hyperoxygenate your patient before suctioning - Limit suction time to prevent desaturation - Suction with care to avoid damaging delicate oral tissues - Use proper-sized tips to prevent clogs and reduce suction time   Sedatives or opioids can create significant new challenges in treating this deadly threat. Recognizing the hazards and having the necessary resources to offset these dangers are essential in the successful prevention of aspiration pneumonia.   *Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in October, 2023. It has been re-published with additional up to date content.*   [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/9612b368-68bd-40fd-8df2-b49e908313ab.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/9612b368-68bd-40fd-8df2-b49e908313ab)   Topics: [emt scenarios](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/emt-scenarios) ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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