INHALATION PNEUMONIA Meaning and
Definition
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Inhalation pneumonia, also known as aspiration pneumonia, is a condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the lungs caused by inhaling foreign substances, such as food, liquids, or vomit, into the respiratory tract. This occurs when these materials accidentally enter the lungs instead of being swallowed into the esophagus.
When foreign substances enter the lungs, they can irritate and block the airways, leading to inflammation and causing lung tissue to become infected. This can result in symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and increased production of phlegm.
Inhalation pneumonia is more commonly observed in individuals with a weakened immune system, such as the elderly, those with chronic diseases, or those who have difficulty swallowing, like individuals with neurological disorders or those under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These groups of people are at a higher risk of aspiration due to weakened gag reflexes or impaired swallowing reflexes.
Diagnosis of inhalation pneumonia typically involves a combination of physical examination, chest X-rays or computed tomography scans, and laboratory tests to determine the presence of infection and to identify the causative agent. Treatment often involves antibiotics to eliminate the infection, improving oral hygiene, and, in severe cases, respiratory therapy or mechanical ventilation may be required.
Prevention of inhalation pneumonia involves maintaining good oral hygiene, adopting proper swallowing techniques, and being cautious while eating, drinking, or administering oral medications, particularly in susceptible individuals.
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(1) Aspiration p.; (2) bronchopneumonia following prolonged ether anesthesia or the inhalation of irritating vapors.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INHALATION PNEUMONIA
- innhalationpneumonia
- i nhalation pneumonia
- in halation pneumonia
- inh alation pneumonia
- inha lation pneumonia
- inhal ation pneumonia
- inhala tion pneumonia
- inhalat ion pneumonia
- inhalati on pneumonia
- inhalatio n pneumonia
- inhalation pn eumonia
- inhalation pne umonia
- inhalation pneu monia
- inhalation pneum onia
- inhalation pneumo nia
- inhalation pneumon ia
- inhalation pneumoni a
Etymology of INHALATION PNEUMONIA
The word "inhalation pneumonia" is composed of two main components:
1. Inhalation: The term "inhalation" is derived from the Latin word "inhālāre", which is a combination of the prefix "in-" (meaning "in" or "into") and the verb "halāre" (meaning "to breathe"). When combined, "inhālāre" means "to breathe in" or "to inhale".
2. Pneumonia: The term "pneumonia" has its origins in the Greek word "pneumon", meaning "lung". It is a compound of "pneu-" (meaning "breath" or "air") and "-monia" (indicating a condition or disease). "Pneumonia" refers to an inflammation or infection of the lung tissue.
