Get To Know More About Oral Care And Aspiration Pneumonia

By Christopher Wallace


Basically, aspiration might not necessarily result in pneumonia. However, it is suggested that larynx that acts like a valve might not be sufficient always to deter food and the secretions from getting to the base of the respiratory system. Nevertheless, aspiration pneumonia arises when large bacteria loads gets into your respiratory system. As a result, they overwhelm and then weaken your immunity. It is, therefore, important to be well-informed about oral care and aspiration pneumonia.

Generally, it is suggested that people who are dysphagic are predisposed to this particular pneumonic condition even though this is not for every dysphagic case. This for a number of reasons. First, the condition developed by aspiration results when you suffer a heart attack, a severe illness or surgery. Severe ailments usually cause stress response via the hypothalamus that consequently lowers your body immunity.

Consequently, this causes the condition to develop especially within three to seven days after a severe illness. It is generally wondered the source of the bacteria that causes pneumonia for dysphagic patients. Although some argue for the stomach being a consequence, adequate dental literature and research indicate that oral hygiene is a much likelier source. When one falls ill, the level of bacteria in the mouth cavity rises.

Stress response regulated by the hypothalamus consequently causes declines or stops the exudation of saliva and oral mucous into your mouth cavity. Saliva as and mucous secretions normally assist in keeping away bacteria owing to their immune properties. In consequence, a decline in production slows down the functions they perform thus allowing the accumulation of bacteria inside the mouth cavity. The bacterial load is consequently raised in your inhalations hence causing this illness.

Generally, oral care helps to keep away bacteria that increases in your mouth, especially when a person is sick. Usually, pneumonia due to aspiration has been found to reduce by frequent visit to a dental professional. In addition, this condition is significantly reduced by observing a thorough oral care.

Because of the implication of mouth cavity hygiene on this illness, there are various issues that you may need to consider in order to maintain a high level of hygiene. To begin with, you may need to brush your teeth at least once a day although three times in a day will be even more effective. For patients, nurses now use toothbrushes fitted with suction tubes to aid in catching secretions when brushing thus preventing any possible swallowing of bacteria.

At the same time, the green sponges often used to clean the mouth cavity remain ineffective and even cause more damage. However, their effect is usually similar to that of lemon glycerine swabs. Although the lemon will help, the swabs with the glycerine alone will only moisten your mouth but not clean it.

Essentially, good hygiene of the mouth prevents any bacteria accumulation, especially for severely sick patients. In consequence, it is suggested that regular and thorough cleaning is carried out to the mouth. This will offer protection against bacterial aspiration pneumonia.




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