title: Aspiration pneumonitis: risk factors and management of the critically ill patient.
abstract: Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents is a significant source of patient morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Prevention by identifying patients at risk for aspiration and initiating prophylaxis is the most effective method of reducing complications associated with aspiration pneumonitis. H2-receptor antagonists are among the best prophylactic agents because of their efficacy in reducing gastric acidity and their convenience of administration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Ruffalo
mesh_terms: D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000503:physiopathology; D005745:Gastric Acidity Determination; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000502:physiology; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents / Q000737:chemistry; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000863:Antacids; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists