Apart from microbial infections, pneumonia can also be as a result of aspiration of gastric contents. This usually comes about when there is no control of flow of digested food. Instead of being propelled downwards along the gastrointestinal tract, the food is diverted to the wrong path, the respiratory tract. Individuals who are highly susceptible to this problem include the elderly, those being nursed in an intensive care unit and those preparing to go for surgery. The importance of aspiration pneumonia prevention especially among the susceptible groups cannot be overemphasized.
Insertion of a nasogastric tube helps a great deal in ensuring a patient does not aspirate. The tube runs from the nostril all the way to the stomach where food is delivered. It is secured with tape to make sure that it does not accidentally get dislodged. Nasogastric tube placement is normally indicated for individuals with paralyzed muscles of the esophagus.
The doctor can request for a check radiograph (X-ray) to ensure that tube has been correctly placed. One should also ensure the tube remains patent by administering only liquids and partial solids. The tubes need to be cleaned from time to minimize the risk of infection. Another precaution to be undertaken is that the caregiver should make sure that the food being administered is not too hot to cause damage to the tube and corrosion to the stomach lining.
In the event that an tube cannot be inserted even after several attempts, an alternative should be sought. Nutrients can reach the body through an infusion that runs via an intravenous system. Placement of a tube or setting up parenteral nutrition should only be used once it has been ascertained that the individual cannot tolerate any oral feeds.
One of the medical conditions that may require placement of a nasogastric tube is stroke which typically occurs among the elderly. Those with heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes are at a high risk of getting a stroke. In persons affected by stroke, certain muscles suddenly become paralyzed. Doctors need to do a swallow test for patients presenting with stroke in order to adjust their feeding in the event that their swallowing is compromised.
The importance of nursing the patient in a propped up position cannot be overemphasized. Elevating the head of the bed not only keeps the patient comfortable but it also ensures that any food remnants are directed downwards along the gastrointestinal tract. The patient can also be made to lie on one side to minimize regurgitation.
Patients being nursed in intensive care units over a long period of time are also likely to aspirate. Apart from propping them up and feeding them through a nasogastric tube, intubation also helps to separate the trachea from the food pipe. Those with chronic conditions also need to be monitored closely for any complications that may arise. This includes doing imaging studies of the lungs to detect any abnormalities.
In a nutshell, it should be noted that aspiration pneumonia commonly occurs in conditions where muscles in the esophagus are compromised. This typically happens among the aged, those neuromuscular disease and those in coma. Caregivers need to be patient when feeding these individuals to ensure they do not develop pneumonia due to aspiration. Placing a nasogastric tube for feeding goes a long way in preventing aspiration pneumonia for those whose muscles are completely paralyzed.
Insertion of a nasogastric tube helps a great deal in ensuring a patient does not aspirate. The tube runs from the nostril all the way to the stomach where food is delivered. It is secured with tape to make sure that it does not accidentally get dislodged. Nasogastric tube placement is normally indicated for individuals with paralyzed muscles of the esophagus.
The doctor can request for a check radiograph (X-ray) to ensure that tube has been correctly placed. One should also ensure the tube remains patent by administering only liquids and partial solids. The tubes need to be cleaned from time to minimize the risk of infection. Another precaution to be undertaken is that the caregiver should make sure that the food being administered is not too hot to cause damage to the tube and corrosion to the stomach lining.
In the event that an tube cannot be inserted even after several attempts, an alternative should be sought. Nutrients can reach the body through an infusion that runs via an intravenous system. Placement of a tube or setting up parenteral nutrition should only be used once it has been ascertained that the individual cannot tolerate any oral feeds.
One of the medical conditions that may require placement of a nasogastric tube is stroke which typically occurs among the elderly. Those with heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes are at a high risk of getting a stroke. In persons affected by stroke, certain muscles suddenly become paralyzed. Doctors need to do a swallow test for patients presenting with stroke in order to adjust their feeding in the event that their swallowing is compromised.
The importance of nursing the patient in a propped up position cannot be overemphasized. Elevating the head of the bed not only keeps the patient comfortable but it also ensures that any food remnants are directed downwards along the gastrointestinal tract. The patient can also be made to lie on one side to minimize regurgitation.
Patients being nursed in intensive care units over a long period of time are also likely to aspirate. Apart from propping them up and feeding them through a nasogastric tube, intubation also helps to separate the trachea from the food pipe. Those with chronic conditions also need to be monitored closely for any complications that may arise. This includes doing imaging studies of the lungs to detect any abnormalities.
In a nutshell, it should be noted that aspiration pneumonia commonly occurs in conditions where muscles in the esophagus are compromised. This typically happens among the aged, those neuromuscular disease and those in coma. Caregivers need to be patient when feeding these individuals to ensure they do not develop pneumonia due to aspiration. Placing a nasogastric tube for feeding goes a long way in preventing aspiration pneumonia for those whose muscles are completely paralyzed.
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