Aspiration Pneumonia

CONSIDER POSSIBILITY OF COVID-19 IN ALL PATIENTS WITH PNEUMONIA

Clinical features

Community or Hospital Acquired Infection, where aspiration of stomach contents is suspected

Aspiration by itself, without clinical or radiological evidence of consolidation does not require antibiotic treatment.

CURB-65 scoring does NOT apply

Investigations

• Blood culture if starting IV therapy
• Culture of expectorated sputum (NOT saliva)

Infection Control

Basic universal precautionsTreatment

Treat as for Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia and add:

METRONIDAZOLE IV 500mg 8 hourly

Or if oral treatment possible:

METRONIDAZOLE PO 400mg 8 hourly

Duration 5-7 days total