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Would you consider using steroids in patients with respiratory failure caused by aspiration pneumonitis?

3 Answers
Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Hospital Medicine · Temple University Hospital
Answered on

For aspiration pneumonitis alone, typically no.

If there are other indications for steroids, for example, acute COPD or asthma exacerbation, then I would.

I would also focus on addressing the aspiration to prevent future events.

I have also seen providers use antibiotics if aspiration pneumonia vers...

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Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Pulmonology · Dartmouth Medical School
Answered on

There is no evidence supporting its use in this context, and there is plenty of evidence of potential complications. I have never used steroids in this setting, though I have used them in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), for which the evidence is not applicable to aspiration pneumonia (PNA).

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Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Pulmonology · Hoffman Donald B Medical Group
Answered on

Antibiotics yes. Steroids, only if there is a reason to treat significant inflammation. Literature doesn't support routine use of steroids in this situation. However, I have found that ER physicians and hospitalists tend not only to use steroids pretty loosely, but also very high cringeworthy doses.

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