Oral care carries significant weight when it comes to the well being of ventilated pneumonia patients. Pneumonia patients are on the edge of complications because of prolonged intubation and compromised respiratory system. Specialized oral care guarantees prevention of further damage by pneumonia as well as respiratory issues in patients. However, it is quite challenging to provide proper oral care to such patients.
Ventilator dependent pneumonia patients can suffer from dryness of throat, reduced saliva production or oral infection due to prolonged use of ventilation. Moreover, presence of endotracheal tubes and other equipment inside oral cavity increases the risk of bacterial and fungal growth inside mouth. Consequently, these patients are prone to respiratory infections. Oral care in these patients thus becomes more important.
Proper oral hygiene in ventilated pneumonia patients comprises of a comprehensive approach including proper cleaning, use of hygiene products and regular monitoring. Here is a list of essential practices that need to be considered for oral care in ventilated pneumonic patients.
- Also Checkout: Survival Rate of Ventilator Dependent Pneumonia Patient
Frequent Oral Examination
To address any issue inside the oral cavity of pneumonia patient it is important to find it out timely. And this is possible only when oral cavity is examined regularly. It is important to deeply check the mouth of the patient internally and externally to find out redness, ulceration, inflammation and any other unusual growth which is common in long-term ventilated pneumonia patients. However, frequency of oral examination depends upon the condition of the patient and can be determined by paramedic staff or doctors.
Educating Family Members
For patients at home under the surveillance of family members, it is a must to properly educate everyone who claims to be caretaker of the patient. They must be educated about any critical point regarding ventilated patients ranging from guidance about oral care to training on signs and precautions of any possible potential risks.
Frequent Care
Pneumonia patients dependent on ventilators need to receive proper oral care, preferably after every meal or even twice a day. This practice helps in removing accumulated food particles inside mouth and thus reduces the chances of bacterial growth and risk of infection.
Regular Suctioning
A tube is passed inside the trachea of the patients passing through throat. There is a great possibility of accumulation of secretions/mucus inside the mouth especially around tracheal tube. It is thus a common practice to perform suctioning inside the mouth of the pneumonia patient in order to avoid accumulation of any secretions and reduce the risk of aspiration.
Use of Moisturizers and Increased Hydration
The oral cavity is prone to cracking due to the dryness caused by reduced saliva production in ventilated pneumonia patients. Patients thus need adequate supply of water and nutrition to maintain oral well-being. Use of water-based moisturizers or artificial saliva can also be helpful in keeping oral tissues moist as well as comfortable.
Proper Brushing
Proper brushing is as important for a ventilated patient as for a normal person. The caregivers must gently brush the teeth of the patient along with gums, tongue and palate with soft-bristle brush. Brushing promotes circulation and prevents tissue breakdown while removing debris and plaque from the teeth.
Summing up, oral care is a crucial part of the care routine of the ventilated dependent pneumonia patient. Oral hygiene practices not only contribute to oral health but also prevent respiratory complications and accelerate the process of recovery. Medical staff and caregivers can work together to draft a specialized care plan as per the requirement of the patient. Proper oral care can contribute to better results and can improve well-being of ventilated patients.
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