Chest X-rays and other tests can sometimes differentiate aspiration pneumonia from othertypes of pneumonia.
Aspiration pneumonia that is bacterial is treated with antibiotics, while chemical pneumonitis may require other supportive treatments.
It’s important to seek medical help when necessary.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
The aspiration (drawing in) of these substances can cause inflammation, infection, or airway obstruction.
Sometimes, the cause may be unknown which makes differentiating a diagnosis quite difficult.
Foul-smelling breath is also common (and otherwise uncharacteristic of “regular” pneumonia).
Imaging Studies
A chest X-ray can sometimes provide telling evidence of aspiration pneumonia.
With “regular” pneumonia, the consolidation will be defined but appear more patchy in appearance.
This is especially true when trying to differentiate aspiration pneumonia and chemical pneumonitis from other possible causes.
Generally speaking, blood tests will render similar results whether the condition is infectious or inflammatory.
In both instances, thewhite blood cell count(WBC) will invariably be elevated.
Whileblood culturesare sometimes ordered, aspiration pneumonia is usually diagnosed and treated well before the results are returned.
Differential Diagnoses
Pneumonia types can be difficult to distinguish because they are all so similar.
These include:
Treatment
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat aspiration pneumonia.
Even if the cause is neurologic or chemical, a course of antibiotics will still be prescribed.
This is because it is often difficult to exclude bacterial infection as a primary or contributing cause.
The typical course can last anywhere from a week to two weeks.
Missing doses or stopping treatment prematurely allows for the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains.
If this occurs, it will far more difficult to treat a bacterial infection in the future.
Supportive care measures may involve mechanical ventilation with supplemental oxygen to aid in respiration.
If there is fluid in the lungs, a procedure called thoracentesis may be performed.
This involves the insertion of a needle through the chest wall to drain accumulated fluid from the pleural space.
Useful prevention tips include avoiding sedating drugs and alcohol if you have chronic dysphagia and/or reflux.
This is especially true before bedtime as aspiration commonly occurs while asleep.
For people with chronic dysphagia, a dysphagia diet may be recommended.
These harmful substances can include chlorine gas, pesticides, smoke, and more.
Chemical pneumonitis leads to lung inflammation and having trouble breathing.
This includes farmers, animal handlers, woodworkers, veterinary workers, and more.
American Lung Association.Learn About Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.
