Pneumonia remains a major cause of illness and death worldwide, with developing nations like India facing a particularly high burden. In India, pneumonia affects nearly 4 million people each year, with adults facing significant risks of hospitalization, especially those with preexisting health conditions. Factors such as crowded living conditions, delayed access to healthcare, and high antibiotic resistance further complicate outcomes and increase the risk of severe illness.
Intensivists play a vital role in diagnosing and managing pneumonia, especially in high-risk ICU patients. Using bedside tools like lung ultrasound and blood gas analysis, they can quickly assess respiratory function and initiate targeted treatment to improve outcomes. Preventive practices are also crucial, particularly to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), a serious ICU complication. Protocols for strict hand hygiene, oral care, subglottic drainage, and lung-protective ventilator settings are essential in lowering VAP rates and enhancing patient safety.
As we recognize World Pneumonia Day, ISCCM Chennai reaffirms its commitment to reducing ventilator-associated pneumonia and ensuring high-quality pneumonia care to protect and improve patient outcomes.