Aspiration pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that might occur if a person breathes something in instead of swallowing it. The germs from food particles, saliva, vomit, or other substances may infect the airways and lead to aspiration pneumonia.
Healthy lungs can usually handle the bacteria from these accidents and get rid of as much of it as possible by causing a person to cough. Those who have impaired coughing ability, however, may not be able to.
People who have trouble coughing, are already ill, or who have compromised immune systems are more prone to aspiration pneumonia.
