What's a Ventilator and What Does It Do?

9. Other Risks

Infection is another potential complication of ventilator use; the tube carrying air to the lungs is a conduit for bacteria. Many ventilated patients develop ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which can be treated with antibiotics. Healthcare providers strive to prevent this condition by elevating the patient's head if possible, monitoring their ability to breathe independently, and implementing rigorous sanitation methods. People on ventilators are also at risk of developing blood clots and skin infections, though specific diseases and extremely limited mobility are often also present. Sinus infection can occur in individuals who have endotracheal tubes, which are inserted into the windpipe through the nose or mouth. Vocal cord damage is another possible side effect.