ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA - STRATEGIES FOR EARLY RECOGNITION AND PREVENTION

Aspiration is a common disorder that causes a high rate of morbidity a nd often death when not treated promptly. Therefore, early recognition is crucial far improving outcomes. The key, however, is to recognize predisposing factors and to modify them if possible to prevent develop ment of an aspiration syndrome. In this article, the authors discuss t he pathophysiologic factors involved, the three distinct types of aspi ration syndrome, appropriate management, and preventive strategies.