All articles tagged with #aspiration pneumonia
A man who drank excessively developed aspiration pneumonia and accidentally ingested a wooden toothpick, which perforated his duodenum and caused sepsis. Doctors identified the toothpick via endoscopy, removed it, and he recovered fully, highlighting the dangers of hidden ingestions and alcohol-related health risks.
A study suggests that patients taking weight management drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are GLP-1 agonist drugs, should suspend their intake before undergoing endoscopy procedures to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia. These drugs slow down digestion and food retention in the stomach, increasing the chance of aspiration during sedation for procedures. While the overall risk of aspiration is low, temporarily holding these medications prior to procedures can significantly reduce the risk, potentially saving lives and hospitalizations.
A study warns that patients taking weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy before undergoing an endoscopy have a 33% higher risk of developing aspiration pneumonia, a potentially fatal complication where food, liquids, or saliva are sucked into the airway, leading to choking. The drugs, which mimic the hormone GLP-1 to suppress appetite and trigger weight loss, may slow digestion, causing food to sit in the stomach longer and increasing the risk of aspiration during the procedure. Patients on these medications are advised to communicate with their healthcare team in advance to avoid complications.