[Pneumonia due to silent aspiration: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge]

Aspiration pneumonia (AP) may present as gross aspiration of large gastric contents or as a consequence of silent aspiration of contaminated oropharyngeal secretions.AP due to silent aspiration is caused by dysphagia and, in some instances, impaired cough reflex. Factors favouring the development of pneumonia include advanced age as well as severe comorbidity and impaired functional status.Therefore, silent aspiration is a frequent etiology of community-acquired pneumonia in aged patients but also of nosocomial pneumonia. Recurrent pneumonia should always prompt the consideration of AP.Treatment of acute AP should include not only the use of antimicrobial agents but also chest physiotherapy and airway clearance techniques. In addition, all patients with silent aspiration and AP should be subject to an investigation of swallowing function and, in the presence of dysphagia, also receive treatment for this condition. This includes methods of restitution, compensation and adaptation of impaired swallowing function.