Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia is among the most common reasons for hospitalization of nursing home residents. Those who contract the infection are three times more likely to die than are other nursing home residents.

The elderly are most susceptible to this infection, as immune systems become compromised with age. With proper attention and treatment, however, the condition can be prevented.

Risk factors for breathing foreign material into the lungs include, among others:

• Old age
• Cognitive deficits caused by sickness, medications or other reasons
• Problems swallowing
• Poor gag reflex following a stroke or brain injury
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• General anesthesia
• Coma

Symptoms of Aspiration Pneumonia

Symptoms include these, among others:

• Coughing up green or dark phlegm
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Blue discoloration of the skin
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Wheezing
• Bad breath

Nursing Home Laws

Nursing home and hospital operators have a legal duty to exercise a high degree of care in attending to their residents and patients, respectively. When they fail to meet this duty, they may be held responsible for the resulting injuries and damages.

Reasonable measures should be taken to prevent aspiration pneumonia from occurring. A well trained and alert staff is the first line of defense. In addition, when the condition does develop, it must be promptly detected and properly treated. Again, a vigilant staff and expert medical professionals are essential. Neglect is never acceptable.

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