What is ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is characterized as a type of pneumonia that occurs specifically in patients who are receiving mechanical ventilation. This condition usually develops 48 hours or more after the onset of mechanical ventilation. Patients on ventilators are at increased risk for VAP due to various factors, including impaired mucociliary clearance, the presence of endotracheal tubes, and the potential for aspiration of secretions.

Understanding the nature of VAP is crucial in healthcare settings, especially in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), as it significantly impacts patient outcomes, length of hospital stays, and healthcare costs. Effective prevention strategies, such as elevating the head of the bed and timely weaning off mechanical ventilation, are important in managing this risk.

Furthermore, pneumonia in general can occur in various settings, but VAP is distinctly linked to mechanical ventilation, which differentiates it from other types of pneumonia that do not have this specific association.