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Definition

noun

A kind of lung injury caused by pulmonary aspiration whereby foreign materials (e.g. oral or gastric contents) gain entry into the bronchial tree leading to inflammation.

Supplement

It occurs when there is an inappropriate swallowing of foodstuff, liquid, or gastric acid going through the wind pipe then to the lungs instead of the throat. This is also common in individuals with a neurological disease or when intoxicated, as well as those in patients under general anesthesia during an operation. Hence, patients are advised not to eat or drink for couple of hours prior to surgery. Aspiration of significant volume of gastric acid may result in a serious pneumonia.

See also:

• pulmonary aspiration