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.
Some of the causes of aspiration include when one experiences a seizure, when the esophagus gets narrower, infection of neurological diseases, when one has undertaken a surgery involving sedatives and anesthetics, in case of stroke, aging, decreased alertness, consuming lots of alcohol, developing a food tube and taking medicines that lead to drowsiness, confusion or weakness.
For one to determine whether a person is suffering from aspiration, a number of indicators may be used. These include, coughing after swallowing food, liquids and other substances, strain in breathing, yellow sputum, tan in saliva, hoarseness of the voice, bad smell, fever, and the body becoming blue due to insufficient 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.
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.
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.
In the event of rapid or slow breathing, instant care should be effected. This is mainly when a person coughs severally and strongly after eating and if he or she has fever or other signs persisting for more than 3 days.
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.
Some of the causes of aspiration include when one experiences a seizure, when the esophagus gets narrower, infection of neurological diseases, when one has undertaken a surgery involving sedatives and anesthetics, in case of stroke, aging, decreased alertness, consuming lots of alcohol, developing a food tube and taking medicines that lead to drowsiness, confusion or weakness.
For one to determine whether a person is suffering from aspiration, a number of indicators may be used. These include, coughing after swallowing food, liquids and other substances, strain in breathing, yellow sputum, tan in saliva, hoarseness of the voice, bad smell, fever, and the body becoming blue due to insufficient 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.
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.
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.
In the event of rapid or slow breathing, instant care should be effected. This is mainly when a person coughs severally and strongly after eating and if he or she has fever or other signs persisting for more than 3 days.
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