Mendelson's syndrome: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Mendelson's syndrome
| synonyms        = Aspiration pneumonitis
| field          = [[Pulmonology]], [[Anesthesiology]]
| symptoms        = [[Cough]], [[dyspnea]], [[tachypnea]], [[cyanosis]], [[fever]]
| complications  = [[Acute respiratory distress syndrome]] (ARDS), [[pneumonia]]
| onset          = Rapid, typically within hours of [[aspiration]]
| duration        = Varies, can be acute or lead to chronic complications
| causes          = [[Aspiration]] of [[gastric acid]] during [[anesthesia]]
| risks          = [[Pregnancy]], [[emergency surgery]], inadequate fasting before surgery
| diagnosis      = Clinical evaluation, [[chest X-ray]], [[arterial blood gas]] analysis
| differential    = [[Aspiration pneumonia]], [[chemical pneumonitis]], [[pulmonary edema]]
| treatment      = Supportive care, [[oxygen therapy]], [[mechanical ventilation]] if needed
| prognosis      = Generally good with prompt treatment, but can be severe
| frequency      = Rare, due to improved anesthesia techniques
| named after    = [[Curtis Lester Mendelson]]
}}
'''Mendelson's syndrome''' is a rare medical condition that is characterized by chemical [[pneumonitis]] or lung inflammation due to aspiration of gastric contents. It is named after Dr. Curtis Lester Mendelson, who first described the condition in 1946.
'''Mendelson's syndrome''' is a rare medical condition that is characterized by chemical [[pneumonitis]] or lung inflammation due to aspiration of gastric contents. It is named after Dr. Curtis Lester Mendelson, who first described the condition in 1946.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Mendelson's syndrome typically occurs when the stomach's contents are regurgitated and then inhaled (aspirated) into the lungs. This can happen during general [[anesthesia]], especially in pregnant women and individuals who have not fasted before undergoing surgery.  
Mendelson's syndrome typically occurs when the stomach's contents are regurgitated and then inhaled (aspirated) into the lungs. This can happen during general [[anesthesia]], especially in pregnant women and individuals who have not fasted before undergoing surgery.  
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of Mendelson's syndrome can vary in severity, but they often include:
The symptoms of Mendelson's syndrome can vary in severity, but they often include:
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* Chest pain
* Chest pain
* Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen)
* Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen)
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
The diagnosis of Mendelson's syndrome is usually based on the patient's medical history and physical examination. Additional tests such as a chest [[X-ray]] or [[CT scan]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of lung damage.
The diagnosis of Mendelson's syndrome is usually based on the patient's medical history and physical examination. Additional tests such as a chest [[X-ray]] or [[CT scan]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of lung damage.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for Mendelson's syndrome primarily involves supportive care, including oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation if necessary. Antibiotics may be given to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infection. In severe cases, [[corticosteroids]] may be used to reduce inflammation in the lungs.
Treatment for Mendelson's syndrome primarily involves supportive care, including oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation if necessary. Antibiotics may be given to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infection. In severe cases, [[corticosteroids]] may be used to reduce inflammation in the lungs.
== Prevention ==
== Prevention ==
Prevention of Mendelson's syndrome is primarily achieved by ensuring that patients fast for a sufficient period before undergoing surgery. Additionally, the head of the bed may be elevated during anesthesia to prevent regurgitation and aspiration of stomach contents.
Prevention of Mendelson's syndrome is primarily achieved by ensuring that patients fast for a sufficient period before undergoing surgery. Additionally, the head of the bed may be elevated during anesthesia to prevent regurgitation and aspiration of stomach contents.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Aspiration pneumonia]]
* [[Aspiration pneumonia]]
* [[Chemical pneumonitis]]
* [[Chemical pneumonitis]]
* [[Pulmonary aspiration]]
* [[Pulmonary aspiration]]
== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Pulmonary disorders]]
[[Category:Pulmonary disorders]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
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Latest revision as of 00:10, 4 April 2025


Mendelson's syndrome
Synonyms Aspiration pneumonitis
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Cough, dyspnea, tachypnea, cyanosis, fever
Complications Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia
Onset Rapid, typically within hours of aspiration
Duration Varies, can be acute or lead to chronic complications
Types N/A
Causes Aspiration of gastric acid during anesthesia
Risks Pregnancy, emergency surgery, inadequate fasting before surgery
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation, chest X-ray, arterial blood gas analysis
Differential diagnosis Aspiration pneumonia, chemical pneumonitis, pulmonary edema
Prevention N/A
Treatment Supportive care, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation if needed
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good with prompt treatment, but can be severe
Frequency Rare, due to improved anesthesia techniques
Deaths N/A


Mendelson's syndrome is a rare medical condition that is characterized by chemical pneumonitis or lung inflammation due to aspiration of gastric contents. It is named after Dr. Curtis Lester Mendelson, who first described the condition in 1946.

Causes[edit]

Mendelson's syndrome typically occurs when the stomach's contents are regurgitated and then inhaled (aspirated) into the lungs. This can happen during general anesthesia, especially in pregnant women and individuals who have not fasted before undergoing surgery.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of Mendelson's syndrome can vary in severity, but they often include:

  • Rapid onset of shortness of breath
  • Fever
  • Cough with or without sputum production
  • Chest pain
  • Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen)

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of Mendelson's syndrome is usually based on the patient's medical history and physical examination. Additional tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of lung damage.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for Mendelson's syndrome primarily involves supportive care, including oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation if necessary. Antibiotics may be given to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infection. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation in the lungs.

Prevention[edit]

Prevention of Mendelson's syndrome is primarily achieved by ensuring that patients fast for a sufficient period before undergoing surgery. Additionally, the head of the bed may be elevated during anesthesia to prevent regurgitation and aspiration of stomach contents.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

<references />

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