PNEUMONIA from ASPIRATION:
A very serious complication when foreign material enters trachea past the vocal cords and into the airways. Predisposed if....
    Image Altered level of consciousness: Alcohol or drug abuse, CVA, CNS infections, seizures, general anesthesia.

    Gastrointestinal disease: obstructions, ascites, esophogeal disorders, GI bleeding.

    Mechanical Factors: Endotracheal tube, nasoenteric tubes.

    Other: obesity, pregnancy, diabetes.

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