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Previous Volume 344:665-671 March 1, 2001 Number 9 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Aspiration is defined as the inhalation of oropharyngeal or gastric contents into the larynx and lower respiratory tract.^1,2 Several pulmonary syndromes may occur after aspiration, depending on the amount and nature of the aspirated material, the frequency of aspiration, and the host's response to the aspirated material.² Aspiration pneumonitis (Mendelson's syndrome) is a chemical injury caused by the inhalation of sterile gastric contents, whereas aspiration pneumonia is an infectious process caused by the inhalation of oropharyngeal secretions that are colonized by pathogenic bacteria. Although there is some overlap between these syndromes, they are distinct clinical entities (Table 1). . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Epidemiology

Aspiration Pneumonitis

Aspiration Pneumonia

Risk Factors for Oropharyngeal Aspiration

Assessing the Risk of Oropharyngeal Aspiration

Feeding Tubes and Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration in Critically Ill Patients

Bacteriology

Management

Aspiration Pneumonitis

Aspiration Pneumonia

Conclusions

Source Information

From the Section of Critical Care Medicine, Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh.

Address reprint requests to Dr. Marik at the Section of Critical Care Medicine, Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, 1400 Locust St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219-5166, or at pmarik@zbzoom.net.

References

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