Antibiotics are usually given because doctors ...

Aspiration pneumonia, lung infections caused by inhalation of buy strattera mouth discharge, stomach contents, or both. Chemical pneumonia is lung irritation caused by the inhalation of toxic substances into the lungs. Tiny particles from the mouth often drip or by inhalation (ambient) in the airways. Typically, they are cleared from the normal protective mechanisms (such as cough) before they can enter the lungs and cause inflammation or infection. When such particles are not removed (due to weakened immunity or because the amount of atmospheric material is so great), they can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Elderly people and people who are frail, have swallowing problems (as can happen from a blow) that drunk alcohol or drugs, or unconscious from anesthesia or disease are at particular risk for this type of pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia not begin for at least one or two days. Sputum may smell foul. Treatment requires antibiotics. Many antibiotics, including

plus clavulanate, and imipenem can be used. If particles are inhaled bronchoscopy may be necessary to remove it (see

). Chemical pneumonia occurs when a person inhales (aspiration) material that is toxic to lungs. The problem is largely the result of irritation than infection. Usually inhaled toxic material of stomach acid, so that the chemical pneumonitis may result when a person inhales, which was vomited. Inhalation of vomit can happen when a person who breaks not fully awake, as it happens after the attack, stroke or drug or alcohol overdose. Chemical pneumonia may be caused by inhalation of laxative oils (such as mineral, castor, oil and paraffin) and hydrocarbons (such as gasoline, kerosene and petroleum products). Sudden shortness of breath and cough, develop within minutes or hours. Other symptoms may include fever and pink frothy sputum. In less severe cases, symptoms of aspiration pneumonia can happen in a day or two after inhaling toxins. Diagnosis of chemical pneumonia is usually obvious from the sequence of events, if this information is available. X-rays and measuring the concentration of oxygen in arterial blood can help. When the diagnosis is unclear, bronchoscopy is sometimes done. Treatment consists of oxygen therapy (qv) and mechanical ventilation (see) if necessary. Windpipe (trachea) may be absorbed to clear secrets and aspiration of food particles from the respiratory tract. Bronchoscopy may also be used for this purpose. Antibiotics are usually given, so that doctors can not easily distinguish this form of aspiration pneumonia bacterial infection. By 30 to 50% of people with severe pneumonia due to inhaled chemical dying of stomach. Last full review / revision April 2008, John Bartlett, MD.