Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a type of lung infection that occurs in people who are on mechanical ventilation. It typically develops more than 48 hours after a patient has been intubated and placed on a ventilator. The use of a ventilator can introduce bacteria into the lungs, increasing the risk of infection.
Symptoms of VAP may include fever, cough, increased sputum production, and difficulty breathing. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through chest X-rays and laboratory tests of sputum. Treatment often involves antibiotics and supportive care to help the patient recover from the infection.