“Aspiration is defined as the inhalation of either oropharyngeal or gastric contents into the lower airways, that is, the act of taking foreign material into the lungs” (Stearns, Swaminathan, Varkey, Varkey, 2015). Ordinarily the body has structures and defenses to prevent aspiration of foreign matter into the lungs. The epiglottis is a leaf like structure that closes off the glottis to divert food, particles, and liquids to the stomach and prevents entry into the lungs. In cases that the epiglottis fails to function properly, entry of the particles enters, or is aspirated, into the upper airways and lung tissues. Gastric fluid entering the lung tissues can cause damage to the alveoli in the lungs by washing out the surfactant and causing the
The presence of fluid in the alveolar space could potentially cause the lung capacity to be effected as well.
The complexity of the respiratory system and the physiology behind pulmonary respiration can be considered extraordinary high. Within the single system, individual organs, actions and co-ordinations are culminated to equate in the survival of humans. The respiratory system carries out many roles within the body; control of bodily pH, aid in speech production and olfaction, regulation of blood pressure and promotion of venous and lymphatic flow. Although these function are necessary to optimally function, the exchange of gases from the internal bodily environment to the external bodily environment is the most important function and role of the respiratory system (Martini, Ober, Nath 2011).
When a micro-organism has entered the human body, the goblet cells along the respiratory tract have the ability to produce a larger yield of mucous. Mucous acts as a defensive because of the “sticky” liquid which has the ability to collect micro-organisms that bind with the substance. Cilia within the trachea slide the mucous towards the entry of the oesophagus. The substance is then delivered through the tube and into the strong hydrochloric acid present in the stomach. The respiratory system and the digestive system provide the diaphragm with key nutrients necessary to facilitate breathing.
It filters the oxygen entering with hairs and mucus, these hairs and mucus trap dust and bacteria. Epiglottis
that affects the body by excreting a “thick mucus” in the lungs, making breathing difficult and
As was previously stated, VAP is caused by bacteria. Bacteria can spread to the lungs from different sources. These include nares, dental plaque, gastrointestinal tract, patient-to-patient contact and the ventilator circuit. The endotracheal tube can provide a direct route for bacteria to enter the respiratory tract. The bacteria come from pooled secretions above the endotube's cuff or in the upper airway and can get disseminated into the lungs by ventilator-induced breaths. Aspiration of gastric contents is another potential cause of VAP because the stomach acts as a reservoir for bacteria. If the patient has a
Aspiration, or the entry of foreign substances such as food or fluids into the lungs, may cause hypoxia or respiratory distress. Therefore, this is the highest priority in establishing the client's plan of care.
Choking gases irritate the lower branches of the lungs. The gases can destroy the sensitive lung tissue leading
These thick, secretions can also be found in the lungs, creating breathing complications and a breeding ground for bacteria.
Ms. G. was admitted to the hospital for scheduled gastric bypass surgery on 9/14/2010. On 9/15/2010 she aspirated dye during a post-operative test. This began the process of aspiration caused pneumonia for Ms. G. Signs and symptoms of respiratory problems began immediately. However she was released on 9/17/2010. She was admitted for pneumonia on 9/18/2010. Ms. G. stated that “the two radiologists began arguing because the first radiologist was forcing me to drink faster than I could tolerate due to my gastric bypass surgery.” She began choking on the dye and aspirated it into her lungs.
Gas exchange is when oxygen is delivered from the lungs to the blood stream and carbon dioxide is taken out of the bloodstream and into the lungs. Gas exchange occurs within the lungs between the alveoli and capillaries which are in the walls of the alveoli. The walls of the alveoli share a membrane with the capillaries in which oxygen and carbon dioxide move freely between the respiratory system and the bloodstream. Oxygen molecules attach to red blood cells, which travel back to the heart. At the same time, the carbon dioxide in the alveoli are exhaled out of the body.
Systemic and local factors both can cause epistaxis. Local causes include trauma, nasal septum or spur, inflammation or infection, chemical exposure, climate changes or foreign body etc. Systemic cause may include hypertension, liver diseases, coagulopathies, renal diseases or may be some anti-coagulant drugs etc.5-6 However, in majority of the patients (80-90%) the cause is unknown and we label them as ‘idiopathic’ 6. Some factors are known to aggravate epistaxis, these include excessive coughing, nose blowing practices, straining in constipation and benign prostatic hypertension (BPH) and even heavy weight lifting
The respiratory system is the process responsible for the transportation and exchange of gases into and out of the human body. As we breath in, oxygen in the air containing oxygen is drawn into the lungs through a series of air pipes known as the airway and into the lungs. As air is drawn into the lungs and waste gas excreted, it passes through the airway, first through the mouth or nose and through the pharynx, larynx and windpipe – also known as the trachea. At this point it then enters the lungs through the bronchi before finally reaching the air sacs known as alveoli. Within the lungs, through a process known as diffusion, the oxygen is transferred to the blood stream through the alveoli (air ducts) where it is then transported inside
First and foremost, gastric contents from aspiration cannot always be obtained. However, when contents are obtained, a pH test can be performed. When testing, a pH of 5.0-5.5 or lower was used to confirm gastric placement and a pH above 5.0-5.5 assumed placement in the pulmonary system. This method may not always be accurate for multiple reasons. Patients recieving acid suppression medications will have a higher gastric pH than normal. Also respiratory contents may be acidic with a lower pH in patients with a tear in the esophagus, acid reflux, or lung infection. Aspiration of gastric contents can also be used for assessing the appearance of the secretions. Since gastric and pulmonary secretions can be similar in color it is often hard to accurately determine the placement. (Irving, Lyman, Northington, Bartlett, & Kemper,
Aspiration is another complication that is common among patients with feeding tubes. Aspiration is when food enters the lungs causing the person to choke. The reported