Aspiration pneumonia most commonly involves which lung region?

Aspiration pneumonia most commonly involves which lung region?

• A. Left upper lobe
• B. Right lower lobe
• C. Right middle lobe
• D. Left lower lobe

Answer: (D)

Aspiration pneumonia follows the path of least resistance in the airways. The right main bronchus is shorter, wider, and more vertical than the left, so material aspirated into the trachea tends to enter the right lung. When a person aspirates while upright, gravity directs secretions to the dependent portion of the lung, most commonly the right lower lobe. If the person is lying down, the posterior segment of the right upper lobe or the superior segment of the right lower lobe can be involved. The left lower lobe is less commonly affected because of the less direct alignment of the left bronchial tree. So the right lower lobe is the most common site for aspiration pneumonia.

Aspiration pneumonia follows the path of least resistance in the airways. The right main bronchus is shorter, wider, and more vertical than the left, so material aspirated into the trachea tends to enter the right lung. When a person aspirates while upright, gravity directs secretions to the dependent portion of the lung, most commonly the right lower lobe. If the person is lying down, the posterior segment of the right upper lobe or the superior segment of the right lower lobe can be involved. The left lower lobe is less commonly affected because of the less direct alignment of the left bronchial tree. So the right lower lobe is the most common site for aspiration pneumonia.