Pneumonia is a serious and common infection occurring in hospitalized and nursing home patients. Most cases of nosocomial pneumonia are aspiration related, with oropharyngeal secretions, refluxed gastric contents, food, and/or liquid being the possible sources of aspiration. Aspiration pneumonia develops when necessary prerequisite conditions are met. The relationship among dysphagia, malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia is complex and interdependent. Prevention of aspiration pneumonia requires attention to the risk factors.
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