Some life experiences may be devastating. One such experience is when one inhales or exhales unwanted substances into the tracheal system. This makes it relevant for us to evaluate aspiration precautions to be equipped with facts and skills in dealing with the problem.
Dangers in aspirations may come about when objects and liquids are inhaled into the lungs. These include food particles, liquids such as drinks and saliva and gastric contents such as stomach acid and vomit. The results of taking in these substances may include lung infections such as pneumonia and lung abscess- clogging of pus in the lungs.
Specialists cite several factors and practices that may cause problems of aspiration. These include stomach acid reflux, seizures, narrowing of the esophagus, neurological disease, stroke, decreased consciousness, anesthetic and sedative surgeries, intake of lots of alcohol, aging, development of a food tube and consumption of medicines that cause drowsiness, weakness or confusion.
For one to determine whether a person is suffering from aspiration, a number of indicators may be used. These include, coughing after swallowing food, liquids and other substances, strain in breathing, yellow sputum, tan in saliva, hoarseness of the voice, bad smell, fever, and the body becoming blue due to insufficient oxygen.
When aspiration occurs, some diagnostics are performed to establish the extent to which the problem has affected the individual. Mostly, a caregiver examines how the victim swallows food and drinks and advises the person appropriately. Moreover, an X-ray of the chest may be done. This X-ray shows any changes in the normal structure and functioning of the lungs. In some circumstances, a bronchoscopy is performed. Here, fitted with a camera, a thin flexible tube is inserted in the nose or mouth of the sufferer and projected into the lungs to view tissues and remove unwanted particles.
Several preventive measures may be undertaken in case a person aspirates. For instance, if a person cannot drink through the mouth, they be made to sit upright, let them eat slowly and chew carefully, avoid distracting them, check if there may be left over food in the mouth, keep them still in upright position for thirty minutes after eating and finally their last meal should be at least two hours before they sleep.
When the affected person uses a feeding tube, perhaps if they are unable to feed via the mouth, he or she should also be seated upright. This position should be maintained during the time when food is being pumped and the passage of food in the tube monitored by the helper to prevent a lot of food flowing.
Generally, to prevent aspiration several tips may help. First, eat small food amounts. When brushing your teeth, use as little water as possible. Provide oral care before and after eating and avoid eating or drinking when you are not alert.
Immediate care should be sought in case of very rapid or very slow breathing, when the person coughs a lot after feeding, if they have high fever or persistent symptoms for over 72 hours and in case they produce yellow or green sputum.
When you are looking for information about aspiration precautions, residents should visit our web pages today. You can see details at http://www.swallowstudy.com now.