A sputum culture test will probably be done to determine if bacteria, which are not normally in the lungs, are present. If a patient with Scleroderma has recurrent pneumonia, the physician may suspect aspiration pneumonia. It is difficult to prevent aspiration pneumonia, but there are some preventive measures that can be employed. We try to enlist gravity to work in our favor. Chances are, you will be told to elevate the head of your bed with bricks so that you sleep in a flat but slanted position.
Many people think they do better by sleeping practically upright, propped up by several pillows.
Unfortunately this is not the solution and can make the problem worse. When you sleep at a 90 angle instead of in a flat, slanted position, you can actually increase the pressure in your stomach and make aspiration worse. It is in this position that gravity works in your favor to help keep stomach contents down where they belong. Another important preventive measure is not to eat before bedtime. Doing so distends the stomach and increases the likelihood of food coming back up.