Mendelson’s syndrome [Curtis L. Mendelson, American obstetrician, b. 1913] , a respiratory condition caused by the aspiration of acidic gastric contents into the lungs. It usually occurs when a person vomits while inebriated, stuporous from anesthesia, or unconscious, as during a seizure. It is marked by bronchoconstriction and destruction of the tracheal mucosa, progressing to a syndrome resembling acute respiratory distress syndrome. Also called pulmonary acid aspiration syndrome.
