Nosocomial infections
Health care associated infections are infections acquired by patients after visiting a hospital. In medical terminology, these infections are known as “Nosocomial infections”.
Four types of nosocomial infections are there:
1. CLABSI (Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections):
Central line is also known as central venous line. It is a small tube. It is placed by doctors in neck, chest, groin or arm of the patient; the tube ends in the heart or somewhere near the heart. Through this tube, fluids can be given directly to the affected area, and treatment can be provided in seconds. Also, medical test can be done quickly using this method; because the doctor will be able to take fluid easily and directly from a particular area. This tube can remain in human body for weeks or months. Treatment of cancer, heart disease etc. is done via this method. CL is a common tool found in ICU’s. Cancer patients are allowed to keep at home even. Now, the patient can acquire various infections with this catheter. Reduction of patients in ICU is one of the best methods to avoid prevention against CLABSI. Prolonged usage of catheter in human body should also be avoided.
2. CAUTI (Catheter associated Urinary tract infections):
Such infections include urinary system. These include bladder, urinary tract, ureter, urethra, kidney etc. About 75% infections associated with catheter are UTIs. Prolonged usage of urinary catheter is the cause for these infections. So, prevention is “minimizing the use of these infections”.
3. SSI (Surgical Site Infections):
These infections occur at the site of surgery. These infections can be superficial or deep seated depending on the site of surgery. Proper hygiene and cleanliness at the site of surgery/wound is one of the modes of prevention of these infections.
4. VAP (Ventilator Associated Pneumonia):
This is a type of lung infection. It occurs in those patients who are kept on ventilator assisted breathing. In a ventilator machine, a patient is allowed to breathe with the help of a tube. This tube is either placed on mouth, or neck or the nose. Now, if germs go in to the body via this tube, then infection can occur. A patient needs a ventilator when he/she is very sick, or has undergone a surgery. To prevent this infection, patients should quit smoking, and ask the health care provider to maintain hygiene and cleanliness. One important way to avoid ventilator is “try to breathe themselves”; this can be done by lifting the head of bed; clean the patient’s mouth very often.