*Aspiration Pneumonia 🫁🥄* *Definition:* A lung infection caused by inhaling food, saliva, vomit, or stomach acid into the lungs instead of swallowing it properly. *Causes:* - Impaired swallowing (e.g. stroke, dementia) - Alcohol or drug intoxication - Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) - Decreased consciousness (anesthesia, seizures) *Risk Groups:* - Elderly - Neurological disorders (stroke, Parkinson’s) - ICU patients - People with feeding tubes *Symptoms:* - Cough (often with sputum) - Fever - Shortness of breath - Chest pain - Fatigue - Bad breath *Complications:* - Lung abscess - Respiratory failure - Sepsis - Chronic lung issues *Diagnosis:* - Chest X-ray - Sputum culture - Blood tests *Treatment:* - Antibiotics (covering anaerobes, e.g., clindamycin) - Oxygen therapy if needed - Supportive care - Aspiration precautions (upright feeding, swallowing rehab)