What Is Aspiration?

Aspiration occurs when a person inhales a foreign substance into their windpipe and subsequently their lungs, instead of going down the oesophagus. It often happens when someone eats or drinks something and it goes down the wrong way.

Aspiration can also occur while a person is having surgery under anaesthetic.

Symptoms

If the foreign substance even partially blocks the windpipe or irritates lungs it can lead to:

• Coughing
• Feeling like something stuck in throat
• Wheezing
• Breathlessness
• Hoarse voice
• Change in skin colour

Aspiration can lead to aspirational pneumonia.

Risk Factors

Risk factors to be aware of:

• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Impaired gag reflex
• Dementia/Parkinson’s
• Reduced physical mobility
• GERD
• Poor oral hygiene

Prevention

Steps to take to prevent aspiration:

• Smaller bites of food
• Avoid feeding foods that are difficult to chew
• Don’t feed/eat lying down – maintain head elevation at an angle of at least 30-45 degrees
• Avoid distractions during meals
• Assess feeding tubes
• Risk assess feeding assistance

Aspirational Pneumonia

Aspirating can lead to aspirational pneumonia, which can be fatal especially in frail elderly patients.

Pneumonia is caused when the foreign object also brings bacteria with it into the lungs, causing infection. Healthy adults can fight a few germs that may enter the lungs, but elderly and frail patients are worse affected.

Have an Enquiry?

Irvings Law are specialists in handling claims involving care home neglect and injury. We are committed to fighting neglect in care homes, and securing financial compensation for victims of home care injuries.

We act on a “no win – no fee” basis. If your claim is successful, the costs are paid by the Defendant. If the claim is not successful, you do not pay our costs.

Has your loved one been injuries as a result of neglect or injury in a care home?

Contact us for a no obligation confidential chat by telephone on 0151 475 1999 or use our free phone number 0800 954 0243 and talk to our specialist care home injury team. Alternatively you can submit your enquiry to us by email to info@irvingslaw.com.