Since 2020, aggregated from related topics
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a type of pneumonia that occurs in patients who are on mechanical ventilation in hospitals. It is caused by bacteria entering the lungs through the breathing tube used for ventilation. VAP is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication for ventilated patients, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. To prevent VAP, healthcare providers must adhere to strict infection control protocols, such as hand hygiene, proper oral care, and minimizing the duration of mechanical ventilation. Research in this area focuses on identifying risk factors, developing prevention strategies, and improving treatment options for VAP.