Complications
Loculated collection of infected fluid resulting from anaerobic infection.
Treated with antibiotics for 4 to 8 weeks.
Purulent pleural effusion because of infection with aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
Can lead to bronchopleural fistula.
Requires pleural drainage and a prolonged course of antibiotics. Drainage may be foul smelling if anaerobes are present.
Aspiration pneumonia is an important cause of death in an older nursing-home population, patients with gastrostomy tubes, and those with neurologic disease.
Chronic aspiration can lead to damage to lung parenchyma. Treatment is supportive care and prevention of infection.
Bronchiectasis is a result of incomplete healing of lung parenchyma after injury.
Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and diffuse lung inflammation syndrome that often complicates critical illness.
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