PNEUMONIA, ASPIRATION (ANAEROBIC)

Course overview

Aspiration pneumonia (AP; also called anaerobic and necrotizing pneumonia) is an inflammation and/or infection of the lower respiratory tract caused by inhaling foreign material—usually food, liquids, vomitus, or oropharyngeal secretions (e.g., saliva)—from the mouth, into the lungs. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of AP, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.