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How Can Aspiration Lead To Pneumonia When The Ejection Fraction Is Low In An Elderly Patient?
Posted on
Mon, 8 Apr 2024
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 8 Apr 2024
Answered on
Mon, 6 May 2024
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello -
1. Dr. -- My father who was had an ejection fraction of 25 and was 83 yoa, developed pneumonia, the doctor said it was due to aspiration, what does this mean? how can someone prevent aspiration? what causes aspiration?
2. He became extremely weak and lost weight and was admitted to hospital. How is this possible?
1. Dr. -- My father who was had an ejection fraction of 25 and was 83 yoa, developed pneumonia, the doctor said it was due to aspiration, what does this mean? how can someone prevent aspiration? what causes aspiration?
2. He became extremely weak and lost weight and was admitted to hospital. How is this possible?
Brief Answer:
Probably aspiration of gastric content
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Aspiration means that content from stomach (food or liquid) is breathed into the airways or lungs. It may happens during vomit or in patients with specific neurologic (epilepsy, syncopa) or lung issues (COPD). Also, if there was weight loss, aspiration may be caused by obstruction of stomach or intestines as seen in tumor or volculus. It should not be related to heart condition. It may be serious problem since it causes pneumonia which is sometimes difficult to treat.
Usually few types of antibiotics are given as well as oxygen and IV. infusions and steroids.
After this, the next few days or weeks are critical to see if his lungs will recover. Otherwise, machine may be required for respiratory support. Luckily, most such pneumonias can be successfully treated, but it is difficult to predict anything, especially in such advanced age.
In future, the best way to prevent aspiration is to keep him laying with elevate upper body, avoid psycho-sedative medications and check digestive system with gastroscopy.
Wish you good health. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards
Probably aspiration of gastric content
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Aspiration means that content from stomach (food or liquid) is breathed into the airways or lungs. It may happens during vomit or in patients with specific neurologic (epilepsy, syncopa) or lung issues (COPD). Also, if there was weight loss, aspiration may be caused by obstruction of stomach or intestines as seen in tumor or volculus. It should not be related to heart condition. It may be serious problem since it causes pneumonia which is sometimes difficult to treat.
Usually few types of antibiotics are given as well as oxygen and IV. infusions and steroids.
After this, the next few days or weeks are critical to see if his lungs will recover. Otherwise, machine may be required for respiratory support. Luckily, most such pneumonias can be successfully treated, but it is difficult to predict anything, especially in such advanced age.
In future, the best way to prevent aspiration is to keep him laying with elevate upper body, avoid psycho-sedative medications and check digestive system with gastroscopy.
Wish you good health. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T
Answered by
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