Continuing with advocacy on aspiration pneumonia, here are some more clarifications you should seek from your doctor:
1. Will the treatment also involve any invasive procedure like surgery?
In most cases, drugs will prove sufficient in treating the condition. However, sometimes physical removal of swallowed particles is undertaken in severe cases through bronchoscopy or tracheal suction. In some cases, CPAP intubation is also done.
2. Do we have relapse cases in aspiration pneumonia?
Yes. Aspiration pneumonia could relapse if prevention, lifestyle changes, and/or medication are not adhered to as per prescription instructions. It is also possible that there will be no changes in the factors that triggered the infection in the first place, like continuing to live or work in an area with chemical compounds, smoke, farms, etc.
3. Is there a possibility of me having complications while I am being treated?
Yes. Complications such as low blood pressure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary abscess, superinfection, shock and bacteremia have known to occur if delays occur in reporting the condition to a doctor.
4. Is treatment covered by insurance?
Yes, in most cases it should be. However, you will need to be quick with the filing for reimbursements otherwise time lapses can destroy your case.
5. What is the prognosis for aspiration pneumonia?
About four to six weeks after treatment for aspiration pneumonia, the doctor generally schedules a follow-up visit. This is done keeping in view the chance that the lungs may still be infected. Patients who are not feeling better by that time may need more tests to find out why.
Mortality rates depend upon age and health of the patient especially in regards to the heart and lungs and the type and acuteness of the disease.
6. Any lifestyle changes I will have to make?
Post treatment, certain lifestyle changes are recommended for those who suffer from a poor gag reflex. They are advised nasogastric feeding for a few months after recovery to avoid re-aspiration. Similarly others at risk of aspiration pneumonia would be prescribed to keep the head of their bed at a slightly raised angle of approximately 30 degrees to reduce the risk of similar aspiration.
ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.) and the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com