Introduction

We, Group A of the 3

rd
year students having been rotated at Manila Medical Centers General
Nursing Unit at its Main Buildings 7
th
floor. We were able to observe number of patients with different
conditions, but we have been more exposed with patients who have problems with their nutrition and
metabolism which is our focus for our rotation as it is one of our topics for our Nursing Care
Management 103. There we have met our patient who had caught our attention. We have chosen the
patients condition to have it for our case study believing that it will enhance our knowledge about
nutrition and metabolism.
The following objectives are set by the students:
A. To define what is Aspiration Pneumonia
B. To identify its causes and risk factors
C. To name the diseases manifestations
D. To enumerate the diagnostic and laboratory procedures for the disease
E. To name the different treatment and management for the condition
F. To identify ways on how to avoid and prevent Aspiration Pneumonia
Pneumonia as defined by a breathing condition in which there is swelling or an infection
of the lungs or large airways which is commonly brought about by microbial agents. While on
the other hand, Aspiration Pneumonia is Pneumonia which is caused by food, saliva, liquids, or
vomit that is breathed into the lungs or airways leading to the lungs.
Causes of Aspiration Pneumonia may be one of the following: problems with
swallowing, poor gag reflex which may due to old age and less of consciousness and alertness.
You may suggest an individual to call or visit the hospital if he/she is experiencing bluish
discoloration of the skin, chest pain, coughing out of foul smelling, greenish dark phlegm or
phlegm with pus or blood, because these are just some of the signs that a person is having
aspiration pneumonia. Other signs are fatigue, fever, and shortness of breath, wheezing, breath
odor and excessive sweating.
On physical examination, a patient may reveal crackling sounds in the lungs, decreased
oxygen, rapid pulse rate or heart rate, and decreased mental awareness.
Other than the physical exam, the following tests may help diagnose the condition:
Arterial Blood Gas, Blood Culture, Bronchoscopy, Chest X-ray, Complete Blood Count, CT Scan
of the chest, sputum culture and swallowing test.
Some people may need to be hospitalized. Treatment depends on how severe the
pneumonia is. Sometimes a ventilator (breathing machine) is needed to support breathing.
Patient will likely receive antibiotics. He/she may need to have his/her swallowing function
tested. Persons who have trouble swallowing may need to use other feeding methods to
reduce the risk of aspiration.

Review of Related Literature
Classically, pneumonia has been categorized as being bacterial or typical, atypical,
anaerobic/cavitary, or opportunistic. Another classification scheme categorizes pneumonia as
community-acquired pneumonia, hospital acquired pneumonia, pneumonia in the
immunocomprized host, and aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration Pneumonia refers to the
pulmonary consequences resulting from entry of endogenous and exogenous substances into
the lower airway.
1
Bacteria that normally reside in the upper airway causes aspiration
pneumonia when these bacteria are being aspired to the lower airway and there they cause
bacterial infection. Other than bacteria, gastric contents, exogenous chemical contents and
irritating gases may also be aspired. Since these materials are not residents of the lower airway,
they are treated as foreign bodies, causing inflammation and bacterial growth, resulting to
pneumonia, hence impairing the lung function.
Common strains of bacteria that causes pneumonia are S. Pnuemoniae, H. Influenza and
S. Aureus.
Aspiration pneumonia is often caused by incompetent swallowing mechanism
2
which
may be due to decreased neurological function which includes anesthesia, aging, sedatives,
coma, reduced levels of alertness
3
. Other causes may be esophageal disorders, ingesting large
amounts of alcohol and dental problems
4
.
The Mayo Clinic has identified risk factors for Aspiration Pneumonia. These includes:
Infants and children younger than 2 years and people older than age 65. They said Pneumonia
can affect anyone. But the two age groups at the highest risk
5
They also cited other risk factors
like certain chronic disease, weakened immune system, smoking and being placed in a
ventilator.










2. En.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspiration_pneumonia
3-4. www.healthline.com/health/aspiration-pneumonia#Overview1
5. www.mayoclinic.org/disease-conditions/pneumonia/basics/risk-factors/con-20020032