Related Experiment Videos
Chronic pulmonary aspiration in children
M L Bauer1, R Figueroa-Colon, K Georgeson
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama, Birmingham.
Southern Medical Journal
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Diagnosing chronic pulmonary aspiration involves identifying symptoms like coughing and recurrent pneumonia. Treatment strategies range from medical interventions to surgical solutions, tailored by diagnostic findings and illness severity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Chronic pulmonary aspiration presents with symptoms such as coughing, choking during feeding, and recurrent pneumonia.
- Radiological evidence of chronic lung injury often accompanies failure to thrive in affected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline established diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for chronic pulmonary aspiration.
- To detail various diagnostic modalities and treatment options for aspiration.
Main Methods:
- Clinical suspicion is raised by specific symptoms and radiological findings.
- Diagnostic tools include upper gastrointestinal series, gastroesophageal scintigraphy, lipid-laden macrophage index, and esophageal pH probe.
- Therapeutic interventions encompass medical management and surgical options.
Main Results:
- Upper GI series accurately defines anatomy and function, differentiating aspiration types and predisposing conditions.
- Gastroesophageal scintigraphy aids in differentiating aspiration types and identifying delayed gastric emptying or reflux.
- Lipid-laden macrophage index aids aspiration identification, while esophageal pH probe detects reflux.
Conclusions:
- Therapy is individualized based on the severity of illness and diagnostic evaluation results.
- Treatment options range from thickened feedings and positioning to surgical interventions like gastrostomy or fundoplication.