Aspiration Pneumonia in the Elderly

Contact us immediately to receive the personal injury or wrongful death support you need to ensure your rights to compensation are protected. 

Aspiration Pneumonia in The Elderly

Aspiration pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes caused by introduction of a foreign substance to the respiratory tract. This is unfortunately a common danger faced by elderly patients in nursing care, who suffer from dysphagia (inability to swallow), or do not get the feeding assistance they need from staff.

Aspiration pneumonia can be deadly, which is why medical intervention is immediately required. Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Persistent cough (often accompanied with foul-smelling or green sputum)
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Bluish skin coloration (from insufficient oxygen)
  • Rapid pulse/heart rate
  • Excessive sweating
  • Difficulty swallowing

Nursing Care and Preventing Aspiration Pneumonia

Caretakers, nurses and assisted living staff should be trained in ways to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia, including monitoring patients during meals, maintaining beds at proper angles, adhering to dietary requirements, preparing food properly and more.

Many cases of aspiration pneumonia are caused by assisted living and even skilled nursing staff not following proper procedures, not having appropriate training or the facility having insufficient staff to properly monitor and safeguard patients.

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Contact a California Nursing Home Lawyer for Aspiration Pneumonia in The Elderly.

If a loved one receiving nursing care was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia, contact us as soon as possible to discuss your case. Moran Law is a 2014 Litigator Awards™ Winner in Nursing Home Abuse, with an experienced and compassionate team ready to assist you with cases of injury, neglect or abuse that result in aspiration pneumonia. Contact us immediately to receive the personal injury or wrongful death support you need to ensure your rights to compensation are protected.
If you or a loved one has been injured, neglected, exploited or abused while in the care of a California nursing home, assisted living facility, home health agency or caretaker, contact Moran Law to access our team of exceptional elderly abuse attorneys.
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