Aspiration Pneumonia

Question 1

What agents generally cause an aspiration pneumonia?

Answer 1

• Mixed flora depending on patient. Reflects oral flora
• Can occur over an aspiration pneumonitis (acidic stomach contents damage lungs over which infection occurs)

Question 2

What are the most common sites for an aspiration pneumonia to seed?

Answer 2

• Apical lower-lobe segments or posterior upper lobe (supine aspiration)
• Basal segments of the lower lobe (sitting)