aspiration pneumonia

Definition

What happens when food, liquid, or vomit goes down the wrong pipe and throws a party in your lungs, inviting bacteria along for the fun. The medical world's reminder that the epiglottis has one job and sometimes fails spectacularly.

Example Usage

Grandma developed aspiration pneumonia after inhaling her soup, proving that eating while lying down is a terrible idea.

Origin

Medical term combining 'aspiration' (breathing in) with 'pneumonia' (lung infection)

Fun Fact

Aspiration pneumonia is especially common in stroke patients who lose their swallow reflex, leading to the bedside swallow test becoming standard protocol.

Source: Pulmonology and critical care terminology

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