Even Without Brushing Teeth Can Be Major Cause Of Pneumonia In Bedridden Patients
Without brushing teeth, even a common pneumonia can become a potential cause for sick patients.
According to a report by Kaiser Health News, the lack of awareness about the problem is contributing to the spread of cases of fatal pneumonia among bedridden patients.
According to KHN, non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP) accounts for the majority of disease-associated cases and kills up to 30% of those infected. These cases often begin when bacteria travel from the mouth to the lungs, a problem that gets worse when a patient lies on their back for hours. Yet hospital staff generally do not understand the priority of cleaning patients’ teeth – a source of germs, experts told the news outlet.
KHN was informed by Diane Baker, MSN, PhD, of Sacramento State that, “[T]he most of the thousands of nurses working in hospitals do not know that pneumonia comes from germs in the mouth.”
93% Reduction
KHN reported that there is no need for hospitals to track nVHAP, and that many studies focus on ventilator-acquired pneumonia, which affects only a small population. What’s more, the prevalence of the disease has been underestimated at the time of pandemic, informed experts.
But evidence is increasingly showing that NVHAP cases can be avoided if healthcare workers ensure that bedridden patients are toothbrushed. For example, in a 2016 Veterans Health Administration study, an oral care program showed NVHAP reduced rates by 92% and saved an estimated 13 lives in 19 months.
The program was expanded throughout the VHA with nurse training, family and caregiver education. It is known to be a model for other health care settings, it was reported.
