Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Anaerobic pneumonia; Aspiration of vomitus; Necrotizing pneumonia; Aspiration pneumonitis
Treatment
Some people may need to be hospitalized. Treatment depends on the severity of the
The type of bacteria that caused the pneumonia depends on:
- Your health
- Where you live (at home or in a long-term nursing facility, for example)
- Whether you've recently been hospitalized
- Recent antibiotic use
You may need to have your swallowing function tested. Patients who have trouble swallowing may need to use other feeding methods to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome depends on:
- The severity of the pneumonia
- The type of bacteria causing the pneumonia
- How much of the lungs are involved
If acute respiratory failure develops, the patient may have a long-term illness or die.
Many people who have aspiration pneumonia have other serious health problems, which may affect the outlook for recovery.
Complications
Acute respiratory distress syndrome Low blood pressure - Pneumonia with lung
abscess Shock - Spread of infection to the bloodstream (
bacteremia ) - Spread of infection to other areas of the body
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider, go to the emergency room, or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have:
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Previous Section
Review Date: 02/19/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; and Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of
Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care,
Unviersity of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
