Aspiration pneumonitis

Aspiration pneumonitis, also known as Mendelson syndrome, is an acute, noninfectious chemical injury of the lower respiratory tract caused by the inhalation of sterile gastric contents Pathophysiologically, the direct contact of acidic gastric secretions and particulate matter triggers rapid destruction of the alveolar-capillary barrier, widespread parenchymal inflammation, and surfactant inactivation

Aspiration pneumonitis, also known as Mendelson syndrome, is an acute, noninfectious chemical injury of the lower respiratory tract caused by the inhalation of sterile gastric contents Pathophysiologically, the direct contact of acidic gastric secretions and particulate matter triggers rapid destruction of the alveolar-capillary barrier, widespread parenchymal inflammation, and surfactant inactivation

It primarily affects vulnerable populations with impaired airway protective reflexes, such as individuals experiencing altered consciousness, general anesthesia, neurologic dysfunction, or acute drug or alcohol overdose

It primarily affects vulnerable populations with impaired airway protective reflexes, such as individuals experiencing altered consciousness, general anesthesia, neurologic dysfunction, or acute drug or alcohol overdose Clinically, it manifests within hours of macro-aspiration with abrupt-onset hypoxemia, tachypnea, bronchospasm, and radiographic pulmonary infiltrates, which may rapidly resolve or progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome

Pathophysiologically, the direct contact of acidic gastric secretions and particulate matter triggers rapid destruction of the alveolar-capillary barrier, widespread parenchymal inflammation, and surfactant inactivation Clinically, it manifests within hours of macro-aspiration with abrupt-onset hypoxemia, tachypnea, bronchospasm, and radiographic pulmonary infiltrates, which may rapidly resolve or progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome

Clinically, it manifests within hours of macro-aspiration with abrupt-onset hypoxemia, tachypnea, bronchospasm, and radiographic pulmonary infiltrates, which may rapidly resolve or progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome