Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Patients who are ventilated are at high risk of infection. May be due to aspiration following intubation and/or related to bypassing normal anatomical structures involved in host defense.

Overview of pneumonia

Antibiotic-associated colitis, which may be due to Clostridium difficile, is a recognised complication of exposure to antibiotics.

Clostridium difficile-associated disease

Occurs due to mechanical ventilation, and is the development of extra-alveolar air. Careful use of ventilator settings, including use of lower tidal volumes, faster inspiratory flow rates, and monitoring airway pressures may help prevent the occurrence of this complication.

Occurs due to increased intrathoracic pressure and increased dynamic hyperinflation, leading to decreased venous return to the heart, often in conjunction with relative volume depletion and/or use of anxiolytic and/or narcotic medications.