BackPublished on June 13, 2017
Pulmonary aspiration
A condition in which food, liquids, saliva, or vomit is breathed into the airways.
Overview
Pulmonary aspiration is a condition in which food, liquids, saliva, or vomit is breathed into the airways or lungs.
Risk factors include surgery, being less alert due to medications or illness, and drinking large amounts of alcohol.
Pulmonary aspiration may lead to pneumonia or death by suffocation.