Pneumonitis, Aspiration

- Chemical injury caused by the inhalation of gastric contents, resulting in inflammatory reaction.

- Clinical:

  • patient with decreased level of consciousness
  • pulmonary infiltrate apparent on x-ray
  • episode of aspiration often witnessed
  • respiratory symptoms range from mild to severe and develop 2-5 hours after aspiration.
Usual Pathogens

Sterile

No antibiotic therapy recommended.
 
Corticosteroids of no proven benefit.