Possibility of entering food particles into human lungs?
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Normally, the glottis ( a free moving flap like structure) closes the respiratory tract when, we swallow foods and drinks. It opens when, we breath and speak. Any mis- harmony in this regulation causes the person to cough forcefully, to expell the foreign particles like food from the respiratory tract. In a conscious healthy person, the accidental aspiration(entering of any foreign particles) of food particles into the respiratory tract(trachea,bronchi,lungs) is largely prevented by the cough reflex.
The cough reflex is one of a protective reflex in our body which, sometime is impaired or sluggished from various reasons like overdose(both drugs and alcohol), head injury, semi or unconscious state, during an episode of an epilepsy and even a local anesthetic spray into your throat . Newborn and elderly population are at risk. Patients in the intensive care units are too risking the aspiration due to the sedative and paralysing agents. A malpositioned feeding tube is also a common cause.
It is common for an alcoholic and drug overdosed, to aspirate their stomach contents into the lungs ,causing aspiration pneumonia and other possible chest infection. The same can occur in other conditions, that are mentioned earlier.
So, if you suspect any person in semi or unconcious state , make sure that they are laid on their side to reduce the risk of aspiration. Do not try to offer anything by mouth. Try to attract medical attention as early as possible.
The possibility of food particles entering into the lungs is possible. when ever we eat the food, the glottis closes the airway and thus preventing food from entering the airway. Once we talk, the airway is opened and it enters the lungs. In others food must go into the food pipe and not into the wind pipe. In severe cases, it can result in pneumonia. This is the reason, why we must not talk while eating
go to your doc and tell them because you'll end up getting pneumonia.
make long story short, my 6yr old daughter was born w/ spina bifida followed by trached couldn't breath at 6weeks old to be suctioned every 15 Min's a day reason,doesn't swallow so her saliva goes to the lungs ,has had pneumonia .we have help from few private duty nurse Co's to also help w/ her other medical needs.
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