A ventilator is a machine intended to deliver oxygen by pushing breathable air through and out of the lungs to provide breathing support for patients who is either incapable of breathing or of breathing inadequately.
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The main difference between short and long term ventilator depended patient is that in the short term the patients are treated by intubation in the hospitals, by injecting an endotracheal tube through the windpipe through the nose or mouth.
The tubing is put through the nose and mouth with a rigid band across the head and/or tape. In contrast, a patient who is reliant on long-term ventilation would often have a tracheotomy tube, a ventilating tube inserted surgically through the trachea or a windpipe via an incision to the front of the throat.
The portable ventilator makes it feasible for a long-term ventilator-dependent patient to stay beyond the hospital, either in nursing centres or at home, while the expense of supplies and professional medical staff is still prohibitive at home level. Portable ventilators often enable more autonomy for long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) patients.
Risks and complications associated with ventilators
A medical ventilator can save lives if a person cannot breathe properly. Ventilator supplies oxygen to the lungs and extracts carbon dioxide through the tube.
Ventilators may also have adverse effects, as in other therapies, particularly if it is used for a long time. Ventilator-dependent patients may run the risk of certain issues such as:
Infection: Contamination is the principal consequence of utilising a ventilator. The respirator may allow germs to invade the lungs. Pneumonia is one of the most severe and recurrent threats of being on a ventilator.
Coughing: The air tube makes it very difficult for a patient to cough. Coughing tends to rid the airways of respiratory irritants that may trigger infections.
Sinus Infection: A sinus infection is often a consequence of getting on a ventilator. This form of infection is most severe in people who have endotracheal tubing and can be treated with the help of using antibiotics.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): VAP is a significant problem for patients requiring ventilators as they are also still very ill. Pneumonia can make it more difficult to manage their other illness or disease. Antibiotics are used to handle VAP. If the VAP is induced by bacteria that are immune to normal therapy, specific antibiotics may be needed.
Lungs Damage: A ventilator can cause harm to the pulmonary system. Too much pressure may damage the lungs if the air is forced into the lungs.
Oxygen toxicity: High amount of oxygen will destroy your lungs. Such complications can emerge due to forced ventilation or excessive amounts of oxygen from the ventilator.
Blood clots/ skin infections: Blood coagulation and extreme skin infections are other possibilities, but these are mostly seen in patients with other illnesses or limited to beds or wheelchairs.
Vocal cords: The injury to the vocal cords from the respiratory tract is another potential issue. Both forms of ventilation tubes move into the voice box (larynx) that holds vocal cords. That’s why it’s impossible to communicate while using a ventilator.