What Are the Risks of Being on a Ventilator?
One of the most serious and common risks of being on a ventilator is pneumonia. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is linked to the breathing tube that’s put in your airway when you’re on a ventilator. The tube may make it easy for bacteria to get into your lungs. It also makes it hard for you to cough. Coughing is important for helping to get rid of bacteria. VAP is a major concern for people using ventilators because they’re often already very sick. Pneumonia may make it harder to treat their original disease or condition. VAP is treated with antibiotics. You may need special antibiotics if the VAP is due to bacteria that are resistant to standard treatment. Another risk of being on a ventilator is sinus infection. This is more common in people who have an endotracheal tube. (This tube is put into your windpipe through your mouth or nose.) Sinus infections are treated with antibiotics.
