Mendelson's syndrome

Mendelson's syndrome

Etymology: Curtis L. Mendelson, American obstetrician, b. 1913

a respiratory condition caused by the aspiration of acidic gastric contents into the lungs. It usually occurs when a person vomits while inebriated, stuporous from anesthesia, or unconscious, as during a seizure. It is marked by bronchoconstriction and destruction of the tracheal mucosa, progressing to a syndrome resembling acute respiratory distress syndrome. Also called pulmonary acid aspiration syndrome.

---

Patient discussion about Mendelson's syndrome.

Q. What Causes Aspiration Pneumonia? My father is hospitalized with aspiration pneumonia. What causes this?

A. Aspiration pneumonia is often caused by an incompetent swallowing mechanism, such as occurs in some forms of neurological disease (a common cause being strokes) or while a person is intoxicated. Another cause is during general anaesthesia for an operation and patients are therefore instructed to not eat or drink for at least four hours before surgery.