Tuesday, 1 January 2019

Pointers In Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention

By Ann Wagner


When the lungs get filed with bacteria through pulmonary aspiration, aspiration pneumonia tends to occur. Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention is one of the best ways to keep people from having this condition through simple steps that can be done at home and others with the help of a specialist.

It has some specific symptoms when it occurs. Poor oral hygiene and a lot of coughing when one is eating is a leading sign of this condition. Others include fatigue, chest pain, and shortness in breath. Whizzing, difficulty in swallowing among others. It is common among elderly citizens who suffer from conditions such as GERD, dysphagia, Parkinsons disease, dementia and other neurological illnesses.

The food, saliva and liquids can get to the lungs when they come back up from the stomach or when food goes the wrong way when chewing. These two can be caused by some medical conditions such as throat cancer and dysphagia which make it impossible for one to swallow food properly. Having gag reflexes when eating could also be a cause that can be controlled with coughing but may not be a solution to people having conditions like Parkinsons disease.

As part of preventing aspiration pneumonia, some of the symptoms can be controlled through diet modification. For instance, if you are experiencing dysphagia, a specialist can take you through a diet which contains wholesome foods but in smooth textures that will allow you to swallow properly without gagging or coughing when eating. This prevents food from reaching the lungs.

Getting to work with a swallow therapist will help you to learn proper swallowing techniques. You will be involved in carrying out some exercises which will help you relax your oesophagus muscles and allow you to swallow food without a problem. This is advisable for people who have difficulties in swallowing like dysphagia.

Having a good practice on dental hygiene also helps a great deal. Keeping your teeth clean at all times through regular brushing and use of mouth wash reduces the percentage of bacteria in your saliva. Intake of a lot of water also helps out in your oral hygiene. This is preventative such that when saliva finds its way to the lungs. It will have less bacteria that may cause an infection to the lungs.

Having a change in your lifestyle, what you eat and drink also helps out. For instance, quitting negative habits such as excessive drinking of alcohol will serve as a prevention method. When you have too much alcohol in your system, you are susceptible to a lot of vomiting. Since vomiting brings a mixture of food and liquid back up, they may reach the lungs easily. Therefore, spend less on alcohol and instead take more water.

Medication and treatment is also an important step to follow. It would be dangerous ignoring this to an acute stage as it may lead to death. Therefore, it is wise to pay a visit to a licensed doctor in a well renowned hospital who can carry out a proper check-up and provide antibiotics that will clear out the bacteria. Also, be careful when taking the drugs making sure you swallow properly.




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