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Mechanistic Deep Dive
Aspiration Pathophysiology
- 3 mechanisms:
- Mechanical obstruction (large food)
- Chemical injury (acid)
- Bacterial infection
- Volume + acidity + frequency determine outcome
- Microaspiration common (50% normal during sleep)
Anaerobic Bacterial Ecology
- Oral cavity reservoir
- Periodontal disease â load
- Aspiration into lung
- Polymicrobial typical
- Difficult to culture
- Antibiotic activity matters
Recent Trials & Updates
Reassessment of Anaerobic Predominance
- Modern molecular studies show aerobes very common
- Antibiotic spectrum should cover both
- Amox-clav or pip-tazo good choices
Stroke Care + Dysphagia Bundle
- AHA Class I
- Reduces aspiration pneumonia
- Screening + SLP + diet modification
PEG vs NG Tube Aspiration Risk
- PEG does NOT eliminate aspiration risk in dementia
- Quality of life considerations
- Family preference + goals of care
Aspiration Prevention in Mechanical Ventilation
- VAP bundle (Ch317)
- Subglottic suction tubes
- HOB elevation
High-Yield Specialist Points
Dysphagia in Stroke
- 50-80% of acute stroke patients
- Aspiration pneumonia in 5-15%
- Screening within 24 hours (Class I)
- Persistent dysphagia â SLP eval + modified diet
- 50% resolve in 1 month
Parkinson Disease + Aspiration
- Most common cause of death
- Dopaminergic dysphagia
- LSVT-LOUD therapy
- Multidisciplinary management
ALS + Aspiration
- Progressive bulbar dysfunction
- NIV for respiratory support
- PEG tube for nutrition
- Aspiration is common cause of death
Lung Abscess Bronchoscopy
- Indications: rule out foreign body, mass, atypical infection
- Risk: contamination of unaffected lung
- Timing: usually after antibiotics for 1-2 weeks
- Selective in patients
Necrotizing Pneumonia Workup
- Often Klebsiella, S. aureus, Acinetobacter, B. cepacia
- Aggressive antibiotic therapy
- Surgical resection rarely
- Search for underlying immunocompromise
Septic Pulmonary Embolism Algorithm
- Multiple bilateral cavitating nodules
- Often with peripheral wedges
- Source workup: tricuspid endocarditis, central line, pelvic abscess
- Treat as endocarditis (Ch297) + standard antibiotics
PEG Tube + Dysphagia (Controversial)
- Original belief: reduces aspiration
- Evidence: does NOT prevent aspiration in dementia
- QOL considerations
- Family + goals discussion
- Modified diet may be alternative
Aspiration in Acute Stroke
- Critical first 24-48 hours
- Dysphagia screen + NPO until cleared
- IVF + alternate route during NPO
- Multidisciplinary care
Pearls
- Aspiration pneumonia = polymicrobial; dependent lobes
- Mendelson syndrome = acid; no routine antibiotics
- Treatment: amox-clav or pip-tazo (anaerobic cover)
- Lung abscess: cavitation; 4-6 week antibiotics; drainage usually not needed
- Septic pulmonary embolism: S. aureus (endocarditis); multiple cavities
- Prevention bundle: SLP, thickened liquids, HOB ⥠30°, oral hygiene
- Stroke dysphagia screening within 24 hours (Class I)