Guidelines
Aspiration pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia

Clinical/Diagnostic Considerations

Antibiotics are not routinely indicated at the initial aspiration event. If chest radiograph is clear, one can withhold antibiotics and reassess at 24-48 hours. Liquid feeds are usually sterile.

Diagnostic criteria

  • Witnessed macro-aspiration
  • Abnormal chest x-ray: Pulmonary infiltrates in gravity dependent areas of the lung
  • Fever and new respiratory symptoms

Infection Prevention and Control

Routine Practices

Most Likely Pathogens

Oral anaerobes, H. influenzae, other gram negative enteric bacilli (in patients who have tracheostomies or have chronic lung disease)

Streptococcus sp.

Empiric Antimicrobials

Usual Duration

3 - 5 days