Aspiration pneumonia is a lung infection that occurs when a person accidentally inhales material from the nose, throat, or stomach.
In a person with aspiration pneumonia, substances from the stomach, throat, or nose enter the airway and lungs. The lung tissue and the aspirated material is a breeding ground for infection. Pneumonia, which is a lung infection, may form in one or both lungs. The infection most commonly develops in the lower part of the lungs.
Aspiration pneumonia is more likely in a person who is: