Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia refers to an inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes caused by breathing in a foreign substance. Aspiration pneumonia can occur when a person incorrectly swallows food, liquids, mouth secretions, vomit, or any other substance, and it is passes into the respiratory tract into the lungs instead of into the stomach. Aspiration pneumonia is also caused by the absence of a gag reflex in people who are not fully conscious or alert, which is common in nursing home residents who are in a coma or who are suffering from other medical ailments and conditions.
Aspiration pneumonia can be deadly, especially in the elderly, so it’s important to seek medical attention quickly if you suspect your loved one may have aspiration pneumonia. There are a number of symptoms that may indicate a person has aspiration pneumonia, including:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Cough (often accompanied with foul-smelling or green sputum)
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Bluish coloration of the skin (caused by lack of oxygen)
- Rapid pulse/heart rate
- Excessive sweating
- Difficulty swallowing
Preventing Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia is a very serious condition that can result in death. Therefore, it’s essential that a nursing home does whatever it can to ensure its residents do not contract aspiration pneumonia. If a resident already has aspiration pneumonia, the nursing home as a responsibility to ensure that its staff in no way makes the condition worse than it already is. Fortunately, there are some preventative measures that can be taken to ensure a resident doesn’t develop aspiration pneumonia, including:
- Making sure the resident’s bed is positioned or elevated to the proper angle
- Monitoring the resident during feedings to ensure he or she doesn’t choke
- Making sure the resident receives the right food (food that is easy to swallow, digest, and won’t further irritate the condition)
Contact a Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
At the Law Offices of Michael F. Moran, we are committed to providing exceptional legal counsel, service, and representation to clients in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County. We understand how difficult and frustrating it is to watch someone you love suffer at the hands of another person. We are here to advise and guide you through the legal process, and do what we can to help you seek justice under the law and achieve sound peace of mind. When you retain our services, you can trust that we will go above and beyond to advocate on your loved one’s behalf, and recover a large settlement that is more than fair and just!
If your loved one is suffering from aspiration pneumonia due to nursing home abuse or neglect, we can help. Contact a Los Angeles nursing home abuse lawyer at the Law Office of Michael F. Moran today!