How and When is a Ventilator Used?

The simple process of breathing air in and out of the lungs can be challenging for some individuals. When a person cannot breathe efficiently and he or she has difficulty maintaining sufficient levels of oxygen, the body is suffering from respiratory failure.

Breathing difficulty can also result in carbon dioxide retention in the body, which can accumulate and become toxic.

A ventilator is a machine that can move air in and out of the lungs, and can be the answer to breathing easier. Many diseases and other conditions can impact lung function and cause difficulty breathing. A ventilator (often called a vent) is used sometimes to stabilize a patient’s condition and other times for long-term breathing assistance. Some examples of when a vent is used include:

• Lung diseases like COPD, asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis
• Neuromuscular disorders or injuries that lead to weak breathing
• Stroke
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
• Respiratory infections like influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia

Using a ventilator gently forces air (sometimes with added oxygen) through a breathing tube, into the airways, and down into the lungs. A ventilator does not cure any condition, but it can be life-saving in ensuring that an individual receives sufficient oxygen into the lungs and expends carbon dioxide from the lungs. 

Typically, it is not painful to use mechanical ventilation, although the breathing tube may initially be uncomfortable and take some getting used to. Eating can be impacted by ventilator use as well. Some patients may require IV feeding.

Mechanical ventilation has saved lives. And over time it has become more comfortable and easier to use for patients. Home use of a portable ventilator is not uncommon and allows those who need a vent long-term to receive breathing assistance in the comfort of home.

At Passionate Private Duty we have respiratory therapists and trained nurses who provide expert ventilator care and respiratory therapy. Our compassionate home care and nursing care services in Illinois are affordable, high-quality, and customized for you and your loved ones.

Feel free to call us at Passionate Private Duty for more information on our reliable home health care in Pingree Grove, Illinois and surrounding communities.