Pathogenesis

• Oropharyngeal or gastric contents into the respiratory tract = serious complication
• Aspiration pneumontitis - acute lung injury from gastric/ other contents (early)
• Aspiration pneumonia - aspirated contents colonized with pathogenic bacteria causing infection in addition to lung injury (later)

Post-op

Pre-disposing factors:

• Altered mental status (Trauma, EtOH, drugs)
• GERD
• NG Tube placement (+/-)
• Emergency intubation (without fasting)
• Bowel obstruction/Gl motility problem