Aspiration pneumonia

Follow-up chest x-ray (CXR) may be indicated to assess resolution of infection, depending upon severity of infection. Less severe cases may require a follow-up CXR in about 2 weeks. More severe cases may require more frequent CXR. Minimal data would be useful from daily CXR, except to monitor for a potentially severe condition (such as a patient progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome). A swallow evaluation might be indicated in order to assess whether aspiration might be occurring during eating and drinking.