Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a lung infection that affects people who are on mechanical ventilation. Pneumonia affects the small airways and air sacs in the lungs. It can make it hard for oxygen to pass into the body.
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This problem is commonly caused by a specific bacterium. Mechanical ventilation can increase the risk of pneumonia. The tube that is needed in the throat makes it easier for bacteria to get deep into the lungs.
This problem is more common in older adults. Other things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
Problems may be:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Your body fluids may be tested. This can be done with:
Images may be taken of the area. This can be done with:
The goal is the treat the infection and promote breathing. This can be done with:
The care team of a person who is on mechanical ventilation will take steps to lower the risk of VAP.
American Lung Association
http://www.lung.org
American Thoracic Society
http://www.thoracic.org
The Lung Association
http://www.lung.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Ventilator-associated pneumonia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/ventilator-associated-pneumonia. Accessed August 20, 2021.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/HAI/vap/vap.html. Accessed August 20, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James Cornell, MD Last Updated: 8/20/2021
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