Saturday, May 31, 2014

Basic Information For Aspiration Precautions Today

By Nora Jennings


Many people have at one point or the other experienced a problem with food or other objects going into the breathing system and causing discomfort to the individuals. As such, it is very important for us to evaluate various aspiration precautions which may help us to prevent or deal with such problems when they occur.

Dangers in aspirations may come about when objects and liquids are inhaled into the lungs. These include food particles, liquids such as drinks and saliva and gastric contents such as stomach acid and vomit. The results of taking in these substances may include lung infections such as pneumonia and lung abscess- clogging of pus in the lungs.

Specialists cite several factors and practices that may cause problems of aspiration. These include stomach acid reflux, seizures, narrowing of the esophagus, neurological disease, stroke, decreased consciousness, anesthetic and sedative surgeries, intake of lots of alcohol, aging, development of a food tube and consumption of medicines that cause drowsiness, weakness or confusion.

When aspirations occur, one may show several symptoms. These may be seen in a person coughing after they have swallowed food particles or liquids, difficulty in breathing, coughing out yellow or green sputum which can also have tan, hoarseness of the voice, foul smell, rise of body temperature and the body may also become dull or blue due to lack of oxygen.

In the event of aspiration, several diagnostic practices may be used to determine the the extent of the problem in the lungs. First, one may take a chest X-ray which shows any distortions of the lungs when aspiration has occurred. Meanwhile, a bronchoscopy may also be done. This is where a slim flexible tube fitted with a camera is put into the mouth or nose and advanced to the lungs to observe tissues, obtain culture or to remove aspirated objects. Moreover, a specialist may examine swallowing to evaluate the risk of aspiration, difficulties in swallowing and to advise on what food types the victim may consume comfortably.

If a victim of aspiration is able to eat or drink through the mouth, they should sit upright and eat well without distractions. All remaining food in the mouth should be removed carefully. Moreover, the person must maintain the upright state for half an hour and should not eat anything in the 2 hours presiding their bed time.

If the victim has a feeding tube and cannot feed through the mouth, he should sit upright during the pumping of the food and the flow of the food in the tube directed by the caregiver to prevent excessive food flow.

Generally, to prevent aspiration several tips may help. First, eat small food amounts. When brushing your teeth, use as little water as possible. Provide oral care before and after eating and avoid eating or drinking when you are not alert.

Immediate care should be sought in case of very rapid or very slow breathing, when the person coughs a lot after feeding, if they have high fever or persistent symptoms for over 72 hours and in case they produce yellow or green sputum.




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