<prompt> What is an ideal method to prevent aspiration pneumonia?Cuffed endotracheal tubeInhalational anaesthesiaIncreased intra abdominal pressureFull stomach  <response>: Ans: A Cuffed endotracheal tube Ref: Bailey, 24th ed, p. 46; Ajay Yadav, p. 101A cuffed endotracheal tube is used to:1. Facilitate artificial airway ventilation or surgery around face or airway.2. Protection of lung if there is a risk of pulmonary aspiration.Predisposing factors for aspiration:1. Full stomach-- single, most important factor.2. Level of consciousness.3. Conditions which reduce the tone of LES:Pregnancy acid aspiration in late pregnancy- Mendelson syndromeAbdominal tumorsObesity, hiatus herniaPresence of nasogastric tubeDrugs-Atropine, glycopyrrolate, opioids, thiopentone.4. Conditions delaying gastric emptyingDiabetes, hypothyroidism, pain, anxiety, anticholinergics, opium.Management:Prevention:Management - full stomach patients:1. Empty stomach2. H2blockers- to reduce acid production.3. Metoclopramide4. Neutralisation of gastric contents by antacids1. Regional anesthesia is preferred2. Awake intubation3. Rapid sequence intubation- Sellick maneuver 