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Friday, May 30, 2014

Principles Of Aspiration Precautions In Perspective

By Nora Jennings


Breathing disorder is among the body processes that affect human beings and may have dangerous consequences to a person if not well checked. Therefore establishing the best practices is absolutely important in order to be safe from harm that may be caused by disorders attributable to inhaling or exhaling, these are the aspiration precautions.

There are several ways by which one aspirates. A good example is where one takes in fluids and other particles instead of air into the lungs. This may happen when one inhales drinks, saliva, particles of food and stomach contents such as vomit and gastric acid. When such disorders occur, a person is at the risk of getting lung infections and perhaps a lot of pus may clog in the lungs.

Some of the causes of aspiration include when one experiences a seizure, when the esophagus gets narrower, infection of neurological diseases, when one has undertaken a surgery involving sedatives and anesthetics, in case of stroke, aging, decreased alertness, consuming lots of alcohol, developing a food tube and taking medicines that lead to drowsiness, confusion or weakness.

When aspirations occur, one may show several symptoms. These may be seen in a person coughing after they have swallowed food particles or liquids, difficulty in breathing, coughing out yellow or green sputum which can also have tan, hoarseness of the voice, foul smell, rise of body temperature and the body may also become dull or blue due to lack of oxygen.

In dealing with aspiration, it is important to carry out some diagnostics. This is in order to determine whether and to what level the lungs have been affected. A specialist may observe the movement of food, drinks and substances and control it or advise the victim on appropriate remedies. When an X-ray on the chest of the person is done, it shows alterations in functioning and state of the lungs. Finally, a bronchoscopy may be performed where a thin tube with a camera is advanced into the lungs, through the mouth or the nose of a person, to view tissues, culture and remove substances that may not be wanted in the lung.

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.

If feeding tubes are being used, the individual is still meant to be upright when food is being pumped and the caregiver should monitor the flow of food to avoid food flown in excess.

Basically, aspirations may be prevented using several practices. Eating small amounts of food and using little water when brushing teeth, adopting oral hygiene before meals and even after eating and ensuring that one is alert when drinking or eating anything.

In the event of rapid or slow breathing, instant care should be effected. This is mainly when a person coughs severally and strongly after eating and if he or she has fever or other signs persisting for more than 3 days.




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