How is aspiration pneumonia diagnosed?

How is aspiration pneumonia diagnosed?

Generally, the first thing your provider will do in any situation is take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination. They’ll ask you about your current signs and symptoms. One thing that is a little tricky about aspiration pneumonia is that often no one actually sees you breathe in an object or food or saliva.

In addition to taking note of your symptoms, your provider will order tests such as:

• Chest X-ray and/or a computed tomography (CT) scan. In cases of aspiration pneumonia, inflammation is often seen at the bottom of your lungs.
• Blood tests. These may include a complete blood count.
• Sputum tests. Sputum, or phlegm, is a mixture of saliva and mucus that you produce when you cough.
• Occasionally, you may need a bronchoscopy, a test that uses special equipment (a bronchoscope) to look inside your lungs.
• Swallowing studies.