Aspiration
Aspiration is the inhalation of different objects, fibers, and gases into the body. In the medical field, aspiration is used as a method of removing harmful substances from the body. The substances that could be removed from a person using aspiration can be as simple as air and body fluids,or as complicated as bone and other foreign objects.
If a harmful object becomes lodged in the respiratory tract, it can cause inflammation and lead to possible infection. When these materials are inhaled by a person, they are more likely to affect the right bronchus because it is more vertical than the left. Complications with a person's airways are common when anesthetics are used. Doctor's have determined that because it is a common instance with patients under anesthesia, the severity of the complications are minimal.
When handling a case of aspiration, a doctor may determine certain risk factors such as difficulty in airway management, type of surgery performed, level of unconsciousness, trauma, pain and stress. The anesthesiologist is an important part of monitoring the anesthesia practice before, during, and after surgery. Some of the things that he or she may look for when trying to prevent aspiration in a patient are, wheezing, fever, rales, fever and cough. Aspiration treatment mainly involves support systems such as ventilation support and supplemental oxygen. If the condition worsens, and the patient develops a particular inflammation or infection in their respiratory tract, the doctor may prescribe a form of antibiotics to treat the complication.
There are certain substances that can be prevented from being inhaled by a person. However, certain microscopic substances, such as asbestos fibers, are harmful to a person's air passages without their knowledge. If these symptoms become prevalent in a patient who is unsure of why he/she are experiencing them, he/she should contact a doctor immediately for proper testing, diagnosis and treatment.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
