Aspiration Pneumonitis

🔑 Key Priorities

  • Recognise delayed deterioration from aspiration event

  • Supportive care, avoid unnecessary antibiotics

🧠 Team Actions

Role

Task

Team Leader

Guide diagnosis and imaging

Airway Manager

Maintain oxygenation, monitor RR/SpO₂

Circulation

Monitor vitals, IV access, support fluids if septic

🧭 Management Algorithm

  1. Suspect if hypoxia + fever + infiltrates within 24–48 hrs postop

  2. Oxygen therapy, monitor WOB, CXR

  3. Treat if febrile/septic: fluids, early goal-directed care

  4. Antibiotics only if clear signs of infection (fever, leucocytosis, consolidation)

  5. Consider ICU if increasing O₂ requirement

🔄 Ideal Crisis Flow

     Suspected Post-Aspiration Pneumonitis
                  ↓
     Oxygen + Monitor + CXR for Infiltrate
                  ↓
       Supportive Care ± Antibiotics if Sepsis
                  ↓
           ICU Referral if Deterioration

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