Aspiration Pneumonia is a serious illness that can happen to anyone, regardless of their age. Elderly individuals and those who have difficulties swallowing are generally the most susceptible to this illness.
How does Aspiration Pneumonia Occur?
Aspiration Pneumonia occurs when a foreign material, such as vomit, liquid or food, makes its way into a person’s lungs. When that happens, it commonly leads to irritation, inflammation, infection or even a partially collapsed lung.
Older individuals, such as those in living in nursing homes, are at risk of developing Aspiration Pneumonia because many residents are already suffering from other diseases and/or illnesses that make it difficult to swallow.
Signs of Aspiration Pneumonia
Please keep in mind that although a person may exhibit one or more of these signs, it does not mean that they are suffering from this illness. Trained medical professionals will be able to properly diagnose the individual.
Signs of this Aspiration Pneumonia include:
- Skin discoloration (blue in color)
- Chest Pain
- Fever
- Cough (may be a foul smell or contain pus or blood)
How can Nursing Homes Protect Their Residents?
Nursing homes should identify residents who run the greatest risk of developing aspiration pneumonia. Once they identify these individuals, the nursing home should take extra precaution to help and protect them from this illness.
Common precautionary measures include careful food preparation. The nursing home will need to prepare foods that these at-risk individuals are less likely to choke on, for instance, thick, cool liquids. Having these residents use straws can also be helpful because they help reduce the amount of liquid a person can swallow at once.
Pureeing foods is another way nursing homes can help reduce the likelihood of its resident’s developing Aspiration Pneumonia.
Orange County and Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
It is the responsibility of nursing homes to protect their residents from harm, including Aspiration Pneumonia. This very serious condition often results in hospitalization for elderly patients and can even lead to death.
If your loved one fell victim to Aspiration Pneumonia while staying at a nursing home, and you live in the Los Angeles or Orange County area, please give one of our nursing home attorneys a call today.