Which lung is most commonly affected by aspiration episodes?

The right lung is most commonly affected by aspiration episodes due to its anatomical structure. The right main bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertically oriented than the left main bronchus. This structural difference means that when material is aspirated, it is more likely to enter the right main bronchus and subsequently the right lung, especially when a person is in an upright position.

In cases of aspiration, the aspirated material can lodge more easily into the right lung, leading to complications like aspiration pneumonia. This is particularly true for individuals who are lying down, as the aspiration tends to flow into the right lung due to gravity and anatomical alignment.

Understanding this anatomical predisposition is crucial for healthcare professionals when assessing and managing patients with a risk of aspiration.