Aspiration pneumonia (inhaling food or vomit)

Overview

Aspiration pneumonia happens when food, drink, saliva, or vomit goes into the lungs.

People with swallowing problems, stroke, dementia, or heavy drinking are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Cough and fever after choking

Less common

• Bad-smelling mucus

Look up a symptom: Cough · Fever · Getting winded easily with activity or stairs

When to get medical care

Causes

Inhaling food.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Stroke

Possible complications

• Pneumonia

Diagnosis

A chest X-ray.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• X-ray:

Treatment

Prevent.

Self-care

• Sit upright to eat
• Sit upright to eat and for 30 minutes after
• Take small bites
• Keep teeth and mouth clean

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Good mouth care
• Swallowing therapy

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Older adults: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Do I need a swallowing test?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Aspiration pneumonia (inhaling food or vomit)