Medicine Online
Any medical inquiries? Search MOL for answers:
Home > Medical Articles > Articles beginning with A > Aspiration Pneumonia > Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Healthy Choice News
Site Map Links
Medical Tips
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Aspiration Pneumonia


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Aspiration pneumonia is a lung infection that occurs when a person accidentally inhales material from the nose, throat, or stomach.

What is going on in the body?

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.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

Aspiration pneumonia is more likely in a person who is:

  • debilitated, or very weak
  • intoxicated by alcohol
  • abusing drugs
  • unconscious from a medical condition
  • under anesthesia
  • being fed by a stomach tube, also known as a nasogastric tube
  • on a ventilator, or artificial breathing machine

  • HomeSitemap Contact UsAdvertisingPress RoomGive Us Your FeedbackRead Our Terms & Conditions and Our DisclaimerPrivacy Statement