Prevention of aspiration pneumonia
Prevention of aspiration pneumonia can be difficult because the cause (eg neuromuscular or upper gastrointestinal disorders) often cannot be modified, putting the patient at ongoing risk of aspiration.
Strategies to prevent aspiration pneumonia include:
- good oral hygiene, such as brushing teeth at least twice daily
- performing an oral examination to check for infection (eg infection caused by Candida and related species) and food residue
- referring people with swallowing difficulties to a speech pathologist for assessment and physical measures to improve swallowing, and consideration of feeding options for patients at high risk of aspiration pneumonia (eg early nasogastric feeding).
For comprehensive strategies to prevent aspiration pneumonia, see the British Thoracic Society clinical statement on aspiration pneumonia.
For advice on swallowing difficulties and oesophagitis in patients with palliative care needs, see the Palliative care guidelines.