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Canine Aspiration Pneumonia - Treatment
Aspiration refers to the passage of food, water, stomach acids, vomit, or other foreign materials (e.g. petroleum distillates) into the lungs. Aspiration will often result in serious pneumonia. The extent of pneumonitis will be related to the type of material aspirated. The worst pneumonia results from the aspiration of stomach acid. Aspiration pneumonia can become infected secondarily with bacteria, requiring treatment with an antibiotic.Certain types of patients are at HIGH RISK for an aspiration into the lungs.
SITUATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A HIGH RISK FOR ASPIRATION
1. STROKE PATIENTS (those who cannot swallow well and protect their airway)
2. UNCONSCIOUS PATIENTS (victims of trauma, low blood sugar or drug intoxication)
3. CHILDREN PLAYING WITH TOYS OR FOOD (the "peanut" or toy aspiration is well known)
4. ALCOHOL INTOXICATED PATIENTS
5. DROWNING
6. PETROLEUM DISTILLATE INGESTIONS (kerosene, gas, furniture polish, etc.)
Common symptoms include: coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Fever is a delayed symptom. Evaluation will include history and physical examination. The chest x-ray may show the foreign object or changes in the lung, indicating a pneumonia. Arterial blood gas analysis will indicate the patient's overall lung function, including any need for oxygen therapy.
Treatment Aspiration pneumonia
1. Suctioning of the airway in those patients who are vomiting or unable to protect their airway (due to unconsciousness, or alcohol intoxication).
2. Bronchoscopy may be indicated in cases where a foreign object must be retrieved (generally children).
3. Medications (Proventil) to reverse airway obstruction (wheezing).
4. Antibiotics for those cases that involve bacterial contamination.
5. Assisted mechanical ventilation (respirator) for the some patients who cannot support their respiratory status on their own.
6. Fever control.
Aspiration can be serious and death can result in some cases. Hospitalization is necessary for the treatment of this serious problem. A Pulmonologist may need to be consulted in the more serious cases.
Hope that this article will provide you information about aspiration pneumonia.
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