Many community and hospital acquired pneumonias are related to aspiration events
The pathogenesis of any pneumonia is largely due to the microaspiration of oropharyngeal flora
5-15% of community acquired pneumonias (CAP) are caused by aspiration pneumonia
In the case of macroaspiration events:
Aspiration pneumonitis:
Aspiration pneumonia:
Aspiration pneumonitis: Typically younger, post-stroke, decreased LOC
Aspiration pneumonia: Typically older, frail, with dysphagia and/or gastric dysmotility, polypharmacy
Aspiration pneumonitis: Rapid onset (mins-hours)
Aspiration pneumonia: Delayed (2-7 days after macroaspiration)
No consensus on differentiating radiographic characteristics
This information is for adults only. Please refer to IWK Firstline app for pediatrics.