Acid Aspiration Syndrome
What is Acid Aspiration Syndrome
Acid aspiration syndrome is a condition that occurs when acidic stomach contents back up into the throat, lungs, and airways. It is also known as gastro-aspiration or gastric aspiration and is usually present in cases involving trauma, choking, oesophageal birth defects, and other medical procedures and disorders.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of acid aspiration syndrome typically occur within minutes, but they can also develop over a few hours. The most common signs and symptoms of acid aspiration syndrome are:
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Choking
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Cyanosis (bluish skin discoloration from lack of oxygen)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Increased oxygen demand
Causes
Acid aspiration syndrome can be caused by a variety of conditions and medical procedures including:
- Trauma: If the patient experiences a sudden blow to the chest that causes the stomach's contents to enter the lungs.
- Choking: When food enters the trachea due to choking.
- Birth defects of the oesophagus: Too narrow a connection between the stomach and the oesophagus.
- Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract: When a hole in the stomach or oesophagus allows the acid to move into the chest cavity.
- Surgical intervention: When stomach contents are accidentally aspirated during a surgery.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Any condition that causes the stomach's contents to reflux up into the esophagus.
Treatment
Treatment for acid aspiration syndrome typically involves aggressive supportive care. The goal of treatment is to provide supportive care until the patient's condition improves. The specific course of treatment used for each patient will depend on the patient's age, medical history, and the severity of the condition.
Treatment options may include the following:
- Oxygen therapy: This is usually the first line of treatment. The doctor may recommend a special mask or ventilator to help the patient breathe more easily.
- Medication: Medications such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, and bronchodilators may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and improve breathing.
- Surgery: If the doctor suspects that the patient has a perforation of the gastrointestinal tract or a birth defect of the oesophagus, the doctor may recommend surgery to correct the problem.
Risk Factors
The following factors may increase the risk of developing acid aspiration syndrome:
- Age: Babies and young children are more susceptible to acid aspiration syndrome because they are likely to choke easily.
- Premature birth: Premature babies are more likely to choke and aspirate as their lungs and airways are underdeveloped.
- Certain medical procedures: Some medical procedures, such as intubation and endoscopy, increase the risk of acid aspiration.
- Drug or alcohol abuse: Abuse of drugs or alcohol can lead to increased risk of aspiration.
