Pulmonary aspiration in hospitalized adults

Until recent years, pulmonary aspiration attracted remarkably little clinical investigation. Although aspiration was considered a common occurrence in hospitalized individuals, with serious and even fatal consequences, clinicians had limited scientific data to guide practice. Consequently, approaches to this problem were based largely on unsystematic observations, intuition, and tradition. Recent investigations on the subjects of aspiration have increased our understanding of patients at risk for aspiration, the value of diagnostic methods, and the efficacy of interventions to prevent or limit aspirations. Results of these studies call to question many time-honored adages and practices. Considerable uncertainty remains and more investigation is necessary before management decisions can be characterized clearly and clinical strategies defined. This review focuses on pulmonary aspiration and enteral feeding in the critically ill adult. Factors implicated in aspiration in this population are highlighted and evidence to support the application of interventions prescribed commonly is presented.