Nosocomial Pneumonia: Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment

Nosocomial Pneumonia: Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment

Question. Write short note on nosocomial pneumonia.

Answer. Nosocomial pneumonia is defied as hospital-acquired pneumonia.

1. It is the secondary pneumonia.
2. Pneumonias developing in hospital in a patient who has been admittd for more than 48 hours should be considered to be nosocomial rather than community acquired.
3. Because of change of oropharyngeal flra in hospitalized patients, it is caused by anaerobic gram­negative organism like E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas, more frequent. Staphylococcus aureus, pneumococci and H. influenza are less frequent causative organisms.

“Understanding nosocomial pneumonia through FAQs: Causes, risk factors, and treatment explained”

Factors Predisposing for nosocomial Pneumonia

1. Reduced host defenses against bacteria:

1. Reduced immune defenses (e.g. corticosteroid treatment, diabetes,malignancy)
2. Reduced cough reflx (e.g. post-operative)
3. Disordered mucociliary clearance (e.g. anesthetic agents)
4. Bulbar or vocal cord palsy

2. Aspiration ofnasopharyngeal or gastric secretions:

Immobility or reduced conscious level
Vomiting, dysphagia, achalasia or severe reflx
Nasogastric intubation

“Common challenges in diagnosing and treating nosocomial pneumonia effectively: FAQs provided”

3. Bacteria introduced in to lower respiratory tract:

1. Endotracheal intubation/tracheostomy
2. Infected ventilators/nebulizers/bronchoscopes
3. Dental or sinus infection

4. Bacteremia:

1. Abdominal sepsis
2. Intravenous cannula infection
3. Infected emboli

“Importance of studying nosocomial pneumonia for healthcare professionals: Questions explained”

Treatment rifampicin.

1. In mild cases amoxicillin with clavulanic acid 500mg TDS is given.
2. In severe cases I.V. cefuroxime 750mg every 8 hourly + Clarithromycin 250mg every 8 hourly is given.
3. Most of the patients require ventilatory support and also need supplemental oxygen therapy.