What is aspiration pneumonia?
Aspiration pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that might occur if a person breathes something in instead of swallowing it.
The germs from food particles, saliva, vomit, or other substances may infect the airways and lead to aspiration pneumonia.
In aspiration pneumonia, these germs get into the lungs because a person accidentally breathes something in instead of swallowing it. Healthy lungs can usually handle the bacteria from these accidents and get rid of as much of it as possible by causing a person to cough.
Aspiration pneumonia is most common in older individuals and younger children but can affect anyone.
Aspiration pneumonia can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- difficulty swallowing
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- fatigue
- chest pain
- wheezing
- slightly blue skin
- high fever
- sweating
