Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

The occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) infections in mechanically ventilated patients has significantly affected how medical providers manage the severe acute pulmonary pathology in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and implement medical interventions to prevent infectious transmission to these patients in the intensive care unit. Severe COPD is present in more than 65 million people worldwide, thereby placing these individuals at an increased risk of intensive care unit admission and VAP contraction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is well known as a risk factor for developing VAP and is related to adverse risk factors such as developing multiple drug–resistant bacteria. Evidence shows that COPD immunosuppression continues to be associated with pulmonary infection, but multiple modalities are available to combat and treat acute exacerbations before decompensation begins, thereby preventing prolonged endotracheal mechanical ventilation.