 |
Aspiration pneumonia |
Aspiration pneumonia is considered one of the three most likely causes of death in Parkinson's disease, so as frightening as it may be, it is important to know about it. This type of pneumonia occurs when food or drink enters the lungs. How can this happen? There are two ways: Firstly, while eating or drinking, when some of the food or liquid consumed goes “down the wrong tube”, which leads to coughing. If the cough is not enough, food and fluid can enter the lungs.
Another way occurs when you feel the need to burp after swallowing. When you burp, some of the food you just consumed comes up, but not all of it, and is instead drained into the lungs. Technically, the problem is that the epiglottis, a flap of skin at the back of the tongue, is not doing its job. It's actually supposed to cover the entrance to the trachea so that nothing solid or liquid gets into the lungs. If the epiglottis fails to perform this essential task, pneumonia results along with the trapped food.
Aspiration pneumonia is defined as a type of lung infection caused by a relatively large amount of material from the stomach or mouth entering the lungs. Common symptoms include fever and a relatively rapid onset cough. Complications may include lung abscesses, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pleural empyema, and parapneumonic effusion.
If you notice food and drink rising from the stomach and being diverted into the windpipe, you should avoid certain foods that are often associated with this condition. These include citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato-based products, spicy foods, fried and fatty foods, carbonated and caffeinated drinks, chocolate and alcoholic drinks.
A final warning: The reported prevalence of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) in Parkinson's disease patients varies between 20% and 100% due to differences in the methods used to assess swallowing function. Unlike some medical problems, such as a stroke, dysphagia worsens as Parkinson's disease progresses. Aspiration pneumonia was the most common reason for emergency department visits in Parkinson's disease patients with disease duration of more than five years, and pneumonia is a leading cause of death.
Summary
| Subject | Description |
| Aspiration pneumonia | A type of pneumonia caused by inhaling food or liquid into the lungs. |
| Causes | epiglottis dysfunction; Food/liquid 'goes down the wrong tube'. |
| Symptoms | Fever and rapid onset of cough. |
| complications | Lung abscesses, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pleural empyema, parapneumonic effusion. |
| Risk factors | Certain foods and drinks that increase the risk (e.g. citrus fruits, tomato products, spicy foods, carbonated drinks). |
| Prävention | Avoidance of certain foods and drinks, awareness of swallowing risks. |
| Importance for Parkinson's patients | Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common problem that increases as the disease progresses; Aspiration pneumonia is a leading cause of death. |
Follow a manually added link
Videos on the topic of swallowing disorders in Parkinson's disease
Follow a manually added link
More articles on the topic “ to know better"
Diagnosis of Parkinson's and the correct initial therapy
Parkinson's is a neurological disease that affects the lives of millions of people worldwide, whether directly as sufferers or indirectly as relatives, carers or medical professionals. In this talk, we will strive to provide a comprehensive picture of Parkinson's, from the basics of the disease to current research and proven treatments. No matter whether you are already with...
Introduction to the world of Parkinson's - a lecture by Prof. Dr. Ceballos Baumann
Parkinson's is a neurological disease that affects the lives of millions of people worldwide, whether directly as sufferers or indirectly as relatives, carers or medical professionals. In this talk, we will strive to provide a comprehensive picture of Parkinson's, from the basics of the disease to current research and proven treatments. No matter whether you are already with...
The hope for a new era in Parkinson's treatment: CDNF in focus
The world of medicine may be on the verge of a revolutionary development in the fight against Parkinson's disease, thanks to the discovery and research surrounding a special protein known as Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor (CDNF). This development could not only improve the living standards of millions of sufferers, but also offer a new way to treat neurodegenerative diseases...
The skin as a mirror of the brain
We all know the skin as the largest organ in our body - it protects us, regulates temperature and enables touch. But did you know that the skin can now also provide insights into the interior of our nervous system? Boston researchers have found that a protein called phosphorylated alpha-synuclein, which plays a key role in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases,...
Detect Parkinson's early, delay it, stop it or prevent it
In his lecture “Detecting Parkinson’s disease early, delay“, stop or prevent” Professor Oertel shares his extensive knowledge and many years of experience with us. Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, affects millions of people worldwide. Despite intensive research and development in treatment, it remains a major challenge for patients, families and healthcare professionals. Professor Oertel will guide us through the...
Parkinson's and environment, the unknown risk factor
The recognition of Parkinson's syndrome Pesticides as an occupational disease represents a significant advance in the understanding and treatment of this neurodegenerative disease. This development is not only relevant for farmers, but also has far-reaching significance for all people who suffer from Parkinson's or are at increased risk of the disease. It signals an increasing recognition of environmental factors, particularly...
Leave a comment
Participate in the discussion?Leave us your comment!