aspiration pneumonia
Last reviewed 05/2021
Aspiration pneumonia is a lung infection resulting from the aspiration of organisms into the lower respiratory tract. This contrasts with inhalation pneumonia which refers to the consequences of inhaling non-infected particulate matter, fluids and irritant gases.
The usual site for an aspiration pneumonia is the right lung. Aspirated material will enter the lower lobes when the patient is standing. If the patient is supine then the aspirated material will enter the apical segment of the lower lobes or the posterior segment of the upper lobes.