Airway
Abstract
Inhalation of gastric contents into the tracheobronchial tree produces chemical pneumonia due to the acidic pH of gastric contents. In 1946, Mendelson described the problems of gastric aspiration during obstetric anaesthesia. In the general population, the incidence of aspiration is low; however, during unexpected difficult intubation the risk is higher. Positive pressure ventilation through face mask and supraglottic devices using a high peak pressure may lead to distension of the stomach and regurgitation of stomach contents.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Airway Management and Intubation Techniques
Anesthesia and Sedative Agents
Foreign Body Medical Cases
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 360–383
- Publication date
- 24 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter