Ventilator-associated pneumonia pathophysiology: Difference between revisions
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{{Ventilator-associated pneumonia}} | {{Ventilator-associated pneumonia}} | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
== Pathophysiology == | |||
VAP primarily occurs because the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube allows free passage of bacteria into the lower segments of the lung in a person who often has underlying lung or immune problems. Bacteria travel in small [[droplet]]s both through the endotracheal tube and around the cuff. Often, bacteria colonize the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube and are [[Embolism|embolized]] into the lungs with each breath. Bacteria may also be brought down into the lungs with procedures such as deep suctioning or [[bronchoscopy]]. | |||
Whether bacteria also travel from the [[sinuses]] or the stomach into the lungs is, as of [[2005]], controversial. However, spread to the lungs from the [[blood stream]] or the [[gut]] is uncommon. | |||
Once inside the lungs, bacteria then take advantage of any deficiencies in the [[immune system]] (such as due to malnutrition or chemotherapy) and multiply. A combination of bacterial damage and consequences of the immune response lead to disruption of [[gas exchange]] with resulting symptoms. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 14:36, 10 September 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.D. [2] Template:Ventilator-associated pneumonia
Overview
Pathophysiology
VAP primarily occurs because the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube allows free passage of bacteria into the lower segments of the lung in a person who often has underlying lung or immune problems. Bacteria travel in small droplets both through the endotracheal tube and around the cuff. Often, bacteria colonize the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube and are embolized into the lungs with each breath. Bacteria may also be brought down into the lungs with procedures such as deep suctioning or bronchoscopy.
Whether bacteria also travel from the sinuses or the stomach into the lungs is, as of 2005, controversial. However, spread to the lungs from the blood stream or the gut is uncommon.
Once inside the lungs, bacteria then take advantage of any deficiencies in the immune system (such as due to malnutrition or chemotherapy) and multiply. A combination of bacterial damage and consequences of the immune response lead to disruption of gas exchange with resulting symptoms.