- Often related to aspiration
- Also embolic events, anatomically abnormal areas (e.g. bronchiectasis)
- Can be polymycrobial w/anaerobes (if aspiration); also staph (necrotizing), other bacteria, fungi, or mycobacteria.
- Aspiration due to swallowing problems
- Drug/etoh abuse (altered consciousness)
- Other immuno-compromised states (e.g. DM)
- Cough, sob, sputum production
- Weight loss, fatigue
- Can be acute or indolent--> w/progressive symptoms for weeks to months
- Can have abnormal lung exam (bronchial breath sounds, egophany, dullness) in affected area
- CXR initially
- CT thorax typically definitive