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wikitox:aspiration_pneumonia [2018/09/01 09:00] – created - external edit 127.0.0.1wikitox:aspiration_pneumonia [2024/05/13 22:32] (current) – removed kharris
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-====== Aspiration Pneumonia ====== 
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-Patchy basal opacities on chest X-Ray occurring in the first 24 hours are reasonably common in patients with poisoning. The drugs that lead to this are usually sedating (e.g. [[:wikitox:benzodiazepines|]]), emetogenic (e.g. [[:wikitox:chloroquine|]]) or both (e.g. [[:wikitox:3.5.1_alcohol|alcohol]]). In most cases the condition causes more X-ray findings than clinical problems. If the patient does not have a fever or any respiratory compromise then expectant treatment is probably all that is required. The initial 'pneumonia' is usually a mild chemical pneumonitis and atelectasis rather than a bacterial infection. Chest physiotherapy (deep breathing and coughing) and supplemental oxygen, if necessary, are the most important aspects of treatment. Antibiotics are usually not required. 
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-A severe aspiration pneumonia or chemical pneumonitis is unusual except with aspiration of fuels (e.g. petrol & kerosene) or hydrocarbons of other types (e.g. diluents or propellants for pesticides). The major problem with the lungs of these patients is widespread destruction of surfactant and inflammation from a chemical burn by the hydrocarbons. Treatment is essentially the same as for [[:wikitox:non_cardiogenic_pulmonary_oedema|Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome]] and is primarily through respiratory support (ventilation, PEEP and oxygen). 
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-Prophylactic antibiotics or steroids are not indicated for gastric aspiration (Wolfe et al 1977). 
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-===== REFERENCES ===== 
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-[[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=930946&dopt=Abstract|Wolfe JE, Bone RC, Ruth WE.]] Effects of corticosteroids in the treatment of patients with gastric aspiration. Am J Med 1977; 63(5):719-722. 
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