special subjects
Hospital Acquired Infections
Lung infections
People who stay in bed do not use their lungs as much, and the muscles that control breathing may weaken. Then, taking a deep breath may become difficult, and if mucus accumulates in the airways, people may not be able to cough forcefully enough to clear the mucus out. When mucus accumulates, bacteria cannot be cleared from the airways very well, and Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia may develop. The risk of lung infections is increased by the following: Using a ventilator, which makes the risk very high Having had antibiotic treatment previously Having other disorders, such as heart, lung, liver, or kidney disorders Being older than 70 Living in a nursing home Having had abdominal or chest surgery Taking certain medications such as proton pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid Deep breathing and coughing exercises can help prevent lung infections. These exercises can help keep the lungs open and prevent breathing muscles from weakening. 