When the stomach empties into the lungs, it’s known as aspiration, a possibly deadly condition that can also have a long-lasting impact. When the contents enter the lungs, they can cause inflammation, infection, or severe breathing problems.
Symptoms
- Coughing or choking after anesthesia
- Blue coloration around the lips (low oxygen)
- Wheezing or crackling breath sounds
- Fever shortly after surgery
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Symptoms may appear during or shortly after surgery, and treatment should be initiated promptly. Aspiration introduces acid and bacteria into the lungs, which cannot be cleared easily.
What causes aspiration during anesthesia?
Aspiration is easily preventable if medical providers are clear about pre-surgical instructions for the patient and are properly prepared for possible issues during anesthesia.
Medical providers must instruct the patient to follow fasting instructions before surgery. If the patient doesn’t follow those instructions, it increases the risk of aspiration.
Aspiration can also be caused when medical staff misjudge the risk in patients with obesity, pregnancy, diabetes, or gastrointestinal disorders. The airway must be properly protected during anesthesia to prevent serious injury. Significant airway problems can also cause aspiration.
Serious injuries that can be caused by aspiration
Aspiration injuries are very serious, as they often lead to lengthy hospital stays, extensive rehabilitation, and long-term disability.
One of the more catastrophic injuries is aspiration pneumonia, which can develop within hours and progress to sepsis if untreated. Sepsis and pneumonia can both be fatal if a severe case develops.
Chemical pneumonitis, caused by stomach acid entering the lungs, can severely damage lung tissue. In the most severe cases, the lungs become inflamed and unable to function correctly, causing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). A life-threatening condition, ARDS has a very high mortality rate.
Other long-term consequences of aspiration can include chronic breathing problems, lung scarring, and reduced exercise tolerance.
If you or a loved one has been injured after experiencing aspiration, contact Weisser Law today for your free consultation.