by Daniel Coffman

Created on: November 08, 2011   Last Updated: November 09, 2011

Ventilator-associated Pneumonia is a medical condition that arises from complications from utilizing mechanical respiration in a hospital. This is a serious condition that affects upwards of receiving mechanical ventilation and has a mortality rate of 24% – 50%. Although Ventilator-associated Pneumonia is usually contracted in a hospital setting, it can be very hard to treat.

To understand Ventilator-associated Pneumonia, one must understand what causes it and how it affects the body. Mechanical ventilation or mechanical respiration consists of inserting a tube into the patient’s trachea in order to keep it open and provide the patient with breathable air consisting primarily of oxygen. This is known as an endotracheal tube and is usually inserted through the patent’s nose or mouth.  This process is known as “intubation”.

The complications that lead to Ventilator-associated Pneumonia come from bacteria and microorganisms being introduced into the respiratory tract. These sources of contamination can result from simple sources such as particles of food in the mouth, the patient’s own saliva, pre-existing viruses, fungi and bacteria. Although more rare, contaminants from the stomach can be introduced into the respiratory system during mechanical ventilation. These contaminants irritate and infect the patient’s lungs and respiratory area, often leading to this form of pneumonia.

Because it most often occurs while receiving medical treatment, it is also known as Hospital-acquired Pneumonia. Those afflicted most commonly with this condition are those who are hospitalized for a period of 48-72 hours and receive mechanical ventilation for an extended period of time during this stay. Another factor in the high fatality rate for this condition is due to the fact that most patients who contract it are already receiving treatment for severe or life-threatening illness or injury. In these cases, Ventilator-associated pneumonia exacerbates an already dangerous situation.

Pneumonia is a severe respiratory infection usually indicated by a persistent cough, production of heavy phlegm or sputum, chest pain on intake of breath, and fever. Approximately 3 million people are affected by pneumonia every year. Pneumonia infection normally begins in the lung itself and is treated with antibiotics. The mortality rate for an ordinary pneumonia infection is 5%, far lower than Ventilator-associated Pneumonia.

Ventilator-associated Pneumonia

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