Hospital-acquired pneumonia
Hospital-acquired pneumonia
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), also known as nosocomial pneumonia, is a type of pneumonia that occurs in patients during or after hospitalization in a healthcare facility. Pronounced as /ˌhɒspɪˈtæl əˈkwaɪərd pnjuːˈmoʊniə/, the term is derived from the Latin words 'hospes' (guest) and 'nosocomium' (hospital), and the Greek word 'pneumon' (lung).
Definition
Hospital-acquired pneumonia is defined as pneumonia that presents more than 48 hours after admission, which was not incubating at the time of admission. It is distinguished from community-acquired pneumonia by the setting in which it is contracted.
Causes
Hospital-acquired pneumonia can be caused by various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella species. These bacteria are often resistant to common antibiotics, making treatment more difficult.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hospital-acquired pneumonia can include fever, cough with or without sputum production, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are similar to those of other types of pneumonia.
Treatment
Treatment for hospital-acquired pneumonia typically involves antibiotics, which are chosen based on the suspected causative organism and its known resistances. In severe cases, hospitalization in an intensive care unit may be required.
Prevention
Prevention strategies for hospital-acquired pneumonia include hand hygiene, vaccination, and appropriate care of ventilated patients, among others.
Related Terms
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia: A subtype of hospital-acquired pneumonia that occurs in people who are on mechanical ventilation.
- Healthcare-associated pneumonia: A broader term that includes pneumonia acquired in other healthcare settings, such as nursing homes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hospital-acquired pneumonia
- Wikipedia's article - Hospital-acquired pneumonia
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