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.
People aspirate differently. For instance, when a person takes in food and fluids into the lungs, this may be in the form of inhaled drinks, pieces of food, saliva, vomit or acids from the stomach. In case that happens, one may be faced with the danger of suffering pneumonia or heavy clogging of pus in the lungs.
Aspirations may be caused by seizure, narrowing of the food pipe, diseases of the neuron, reduced consciousness, excessive alcohol intake, stroke, consumption of medication that causes dizziness or weakness and being involved in surgical operations in which anesthetics are used. The gravity of the disorders in breathing depends on the extent to which these conditions have been allowed.
In case of improper inhalation or exhalation, several signs and symptoms may be observed. They include coughing after swallowing liquids or other particles, breathing with difficulty, coughing up green, yellow or tanned sputum, hoarse voice, bad smell, fever and the skin may also turn dull due to little oxygen.
In dealing with aspiration, it is important to carry out some diagnostics. This is in order to determine whether and to what level the lungs have been affected. A specialist may observe the movement of food, drinks and substances and control it or advise the victim on appropriate remedies. When an X-ray on the chest of the person is done, it shows alterations in functioning and state of the lungs. Finally, a bronchoscopy may be performed where a thin tube with a camera is advanced into the lungs, through the mouth or the nose of a person, to view tissues, culture and remove substances that may not be wanted in the lung.
Different approaches may be used for different victims of aspiration. If the victim is able to drink via the mouth, make them sit upright and chew well and slowly without distraction. Care may be taken to clear the mouth of any residual food. The upright position must be maintained for 35 minutes after feeding. At least two hours must be allowed after a meal before the victim sleeps.
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.
Simple precautionary practices may be used in order to avoid aspiration. To start with, only small food amounts should be eaten. One should avoid eating or drinking when they are not alert. Again, when brushing ones teeth, very little water should be used. Finally, oral care is essential before and after feeding.
Note that, if one breathes very rapidly or very slowly, or coughs continuously after eating or drinking or even they show the signs of aspiration for more than 48 hours, immediate response should be sought.
People aspirate differently. For instance, when a person takes in food and fluids into the lungs, this may be in the form of inhaled drinks, pieces of food, saliva, vomit or acids from the stomach. In case that happens, one may be faced with the danger of suffering pneumonia or heavy clogging of pus in the lungs.
Aspirations may be caused by seizure, narrowing of the food pipe, diseases of the neuron, reduced consciousness, excessive alcohol intake, stroke, consumption of medication that causes dizziness or weakness and being involved in surgical operations in which anesthetics are used. The gravity of the disorders in breathing depends on the extent to which these conditions have been allowed.
In case of improper inhalation or exhalation, several signs and symptoms may be observed. They include coughing after swallowing liquids or other particles, breathing with difficulty, coughing up green, yellow or tanned sputum, hoarse voice, bad smell, fever and the skin may also turn dull due to little oxygen.
In dealing with aspiration, it is important to carry out some diagnostics. This is in order to determine whether and to what level the lungs have been affected. A specialist may observe the movement of food, drinks and substances and control it or advise the victim on appropriate remedies. When an X-ray on the chest of the person is done, it shows alterations in functioning and state of the lungs. Finally, a bronchoscopy may be performed where a thin tube with a camera is advanced into the lungs, through the mouth or the nose of a person, to view tissues, culture and remove substances that may not be wanted in the lung.
Different approaches may be used for different victims of aspiration. If the victim is able to drink via the mouth, make them sit upright and chew well and slowly without distraction. Care may be taken to clear the mouth of any residual food. The upright position must be maintained for 35 minutes after feeding. At least two hours must be allowed after a meal before the victim sleeps.
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.
Simple precautionary practices may be used in order to avoid aspiration. To start with, only small food amounts should be eaten. One should avoid eating or drinking when they are not alert. Again, when brushing ones teeth, very little water should be used. Finally, oral care is essential before and after feeding.
Note that, if one breathes very rapidly or very slowly, or coughs continuously after eating or drinking or even they show the signs of aspiration for more than 48 hours, immediate response should be sought.
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