What is a Ventilator and When it is Needed?

If your loved one is hospitalised with a severe health condition, they may be put under ventilation. When a patient cannot breathe on their own, ventilation is necessary to provide Oxygen. Ventilators can also be used if they are under anaesthesia during any surgery.

If you have your family member or someone close to you on ventilation, you must know what a ventilator is, its uses and types. Read along to learn the types of ventilators and how useful they are during emergencies.

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What is a Ventilator?
Types of Ventilators
How Does a Ventilator Work?
Why Would You Need it?
Care a Person Needs
Risks of Being on a Ventilator
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Meaning of a Ventilator?

A ventilator is a life-saving machine that pumps Oxygen inside and outside your respiratory system so your body can get the air it requires. A medical ventilator helps your lungs work when you cannot breathe naturally. In such cases, you might have to wear a fitted mask to get Oxygen from the ventilator. However, if your health condition is severe, doctors might insert a breathing tube down your throat to supply Oxygen to your lungs and help you breathe properly.

A medical practitioner controls the amount of Oxygen required to push inside your lungs via a ventilator. There are different types of ventilators, each with a varying support system. Your doctor will decide which one you need depending on your health condition. Now let us get into the details of different ventilator types.

What are the Types of Ventilators?

You can receive ventilation in several ways as decided by your doctor. Here are the various types of ventilators you might require as per your health condition:

1. Face-mask Ventilator

assistant-surgeon-put-the-patient-on-a-ventilator

A non-invasive process to support your breathing system and Oxygen levels, a face-mask ventilator was the most used ventilator during the pandemic. You need to wear a mask that properly fits over your mouth and nose as air flows inside your lungs. Additional devices that operate through a face mask are CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, and BiPAP or Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure.

You might have to use these masks if you have chronic health problems such as COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The PAP therapy also helps in expelling carbon dioxide levels in your body, and it totally depends on your doctor which therapy they will choose. The benefits of a face-mask ventilator are:

Benefits

Face-mask ventilator doesn’t require sedation.
You can talk and swallow naturally.
It is more comfortable than a breathing tube that goes down your throat and might be uncomfortable.
It reduces chances of pneumonia or infection, which are side effects of breathing tube ventilation.

2. Breathing Tube/Mechanical Ventilator

An invasive process of ventilation, a mechanical ventilator is essential during severe cases when you cannot breathe on your own. In this case, your doctor will insert a breathing tube into your throat and down your windpipe to supply Oxygen to your lungs. The breathing tube is annexed to a ventilator which blows air into your respiratory system to supply your body with Oxygen. It blows away Carbon Dioxide from your respiratory system. Since this procedure is painful, doctors will sedate you before beginning the surgery.

If you or any of your loved ones are on ventilation for a long time, the doctor might require a Tracheostomy. Here, your physician makes a hole in the front section of your throat. Then they insert a tube into your trachea beneath your vocal cords which connect to a ventilator. Additionally, a ventilator unit regulates the volume, pressure, temperature, and humidity of air as controlled by the doctor. The mechanical ventilator uses are as follows:

Benefits

It is possible to control airflow direction with this ventilator.
You can integrate it with air conditioning.
You can easily control the room temperature and the indoor humidity.
One can consistently access the flow rate regardless of the ambient temperature.
Easily operated via electricity.
You can add a filtration system to this ventilation system.

3. Manual Resuscitator Bag

A manual resuscitator bag is necessary when you need to control the flow of air of the ventilator with your hands. These devices have an empty bag known as a "bladder". You require a squeeze to pump Oxygen into the respiratory system. Doctors also allow this bag when you require large breaths after suctioning, when the ventilator circuit changes, or during trach change. Your doctor can attach one of the tubes of this device into your throat, or you can attach them to a face-mask ventilator. This bag is a temporary solution if you must stop your mechanical ventilator due to power cuts.

Benefits

Advantages include:

Ability to provide 100% Oxygen without the need for a reservoir.
You can use it during emergencies.
It is highly sensitive and can detect any change in airway pressure.

4. Tracheostomy Ventilator

You might require a tracheostomy ventilator if you have serious health conditions such as a neuromuscular issue that has weakened your breathing muscles. However, you might require this ventilator if you have undergone a tracheostomy. A tracheostomy is a surgery where your doctor will make a direct opening in your windpipe and insert a tube to allow airflow.

Therefore, you cannot breathe through your mouth or nose and can only breathe through the ventilator support provided through this opening.

Benefits

Here are the benefits of tracheostomy:

You find it more comfortable to breathe.
Easier suctioning and oral care is possible.
You might not require sedation or analgesia.

How Does a Ventilator Work?

Since hospitals mostly use mechanical ventilators, here is a guide to how it works:

When you are admitted to a hospital and require ventilation, a nurse will first insert an ET or endotracheal tube inside your nose and mouth and into your trachea.
Then, this tube is connected to the ventilator, where the ventilator pumps Oxygen into your lungs.
The ventilator can hold low pressure, known as positive end-expiratory pressure or PEEP. This will prevent the air sacs in your lungs from collapsing.
Your doctor will then remove mucus from your windpipe via suctioning through this endotracheal tube.
In case your doctor finds a tumour or other blockages in your trachea that might block airflow, he will follow the tracheostomy process.

Now that we know the definition of ventilators and how it works let us discuss who might need ventilation.

Why Would You Need a Ventilator?

If you are experiencing an extreme respiratory issue and cannot breathe, that means you cannot get enough Oxygen for your body. It is a severe health condition. This is when doctors suggest ventilation. Here is a list of reasons why you may require a ventilator:

You require a ventilator if you have a lung disease that hampers your normal breathing condition.
During surgery, doctors put you on a ventilator for sedation.
Ventilation is necessary in case of head and spinal cord injuries or stroke.
During sudden cardiac arrests.
Ventilation is essential for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, or sepsis.
Additionally, people who were suffering from extreme breathing problems during the pandemic required ventilation.
Sometimes when doctors undergo a complicated surgery, the patient requires a ventilator to ease breathing post-surgery.

What Kind of Care Does a Person Need When on a Ventilator?

Many staff members, such as providers, nurses, and respiratory therapists, follow a person in the hospital on a ventilator. Holistic care of a mechanically ventilated patient will ensure his/her safety and well-being. The more important elements of care are as follows:

Care Required	Description
Monitoring	Vital signs, ventilator settings, and blood gases are monitored for proper functioning of the ventilator and adequate ventilation.
Ventilator Management	Changing ventilator settings as appropriate based on the patient's respiratory status and responses.
Airway Management	Maintaining a patent airway with the endotracheal tube/tracheostomy tube properly placed and secure.
Hygiene and Comfort	Frequent oral care is needed to prevent infections, suctioning is needed to remove secretions, and frequent turning/repositioning is needed to prevent pressure ulcers and enhance comfort.
Nutritional Support	Adequate nutrition is provided via enteral feeding if the patient cannot take food orally.
Infection Prevention	Strict infection control measures are taken to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia and other infections.
Emotional Support	Psychological support and communication are provided. Most patients on a mechanical ventilator become anxious or isolated.

All these aspects are managed by the care team involving doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists.

What are the Risks of Being on a Ventilator?

Although a ventilator is a life-saving device, it has potential side effects. You might notice these side effects if you are on a ventilator for a long time. Here are some of the common risks:

Risks	Description
Infections	One of the major risks if you are on ventilation with a breathing tube is infection. Mucus and fluid in your throat and windpipe allow bacteria and germs inside the breathing tube. These then travel to your respiratory system, causing pneumonia or sinusitis.
Irritations	As doctors insert the breathing tube inside your throat, it rubs against it, irritating. You might also find it difficult to cough, which otherwise allows you to get rid of the dust inside your lungs.
Blood Clots/Bedsores	If you are lying in the same position for a longer time, it increases the chances of blood clots.
Delirium	This happens due to several medications that are given to you while you are on a ventilator. Delirium can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, too.
Issues With Vocal Cord	A breathing tube that passes through the larynx or your vocal cord can cause infection in your voice box.
Pneumothorax	When air leaks from your lungs into the chest walls, it causes shortness of breath, pain, and lung collapse.

So now you know what a ventilator does and its uses, too. If any of your loved ones are under ventilation, be supportive and help them to ease their anxiety and fear. Additionally, you must ask all those who are visiting to wash their hands properly and wear face masks. The most important activity when you or anyone is under ventilation is to rest. The more the patient rests and avoids talking, the faster recovery will be.

FAQs about Ventilators

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What are the things monitored during ventilation?

When you are on ventilation, doctors will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation levels. Your doctor also might ask for regular X-rays and chest scans to ensure your lungs are working properly.

What medications will my doctor give when I am under ventilation?

Your doctor will prescribe sedatives, muscle relaxers, sleep, and pain medicines while you are on a ventilator. Once you are done with the ventilation, you do not require these medicines.

What is a ventilator?

A ventilator is a device that supports breathing in a patient requiring breathing or ventilatory support. It pushes air or oxygen into the lungs through a tube inserted into the airway.

When might I need a ventilator?

You may need a ventilator if you have severe respiratory problems from conditions like pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or during recovery from major surgery.

How does a ventilator work?

A ventilator manages the passage of air or oxygen into the lungs and removes carbon dioxide. One can set it to deliver breaths at specific rates, volumes, and pressures.

What are the possible risks associated with a ventilator?

The risks can include infections, lung damage, pneumothorax, and finally, those caused by prolonged use—for example, muscle weakness or vocal cord injury.

How long will I have to spend on a ventilator?

This depends on your underlying condition and how well your lungs heal. Some require it only for a short time; others need it for extended periods.

Will I be awake during the time that I'm on a ventilator?

There may be some sedation or anaesthesia while you are on the ventilator to keep you comfortable and from being uncomfortable or moving. Sedation is variable, and you may be semi-conscious or awake at times.

Can I communicate while I'm on a ventilator?

Yes, although one may have difficulty talking due to the tube down your airway for a ventilator. However, there are many ways that medical staff can help you communicate, such as by writing or even signalling.

How will doctors monitor my condition while on a ventilator?

These would include monitoring vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and respiratory rate. Imaging tests like X-rays might also be used to estimate the status of lung functioning and, hence, readjusting ventilation settings accordingly.

What happens when I no longer need the ventilator?

The ventilator will be slowly removed once your condition improves and your lungs can function effectively. Your doctor will make sure you are stable before doing this.

What can I expect while recovering after I have been on a ventilator?

This might involve regaining physical strength, recovering from complications that might have resulted from being on the ventilator, and sometimes rehabilitation. Your healthcare team will advise you on physical therapy and other recovery-related issues.

Is a ventilator only used in hospitals?

Mostly, yes. Ventilators are typically used in hospitals for critical care, but in some long-term cases, they may be set up at home under medical supervision. Home ventilator setups are expensive, so if this is a concern, look for a health insurance policy that offers coverage for home-based care & hospitalisation or critical illness benefits.

What is a Ventilator and When it is Needed?

Table of Contents

What is the Meaning of a Ventilator?

What are the Types of Ventilators?

1. Face-mask Ventilator

2. Breathing Tube/Mechanical Ventilator

3. Manual Resuscitator Bag

4. Tracheostomy Ventilator

How Does a Ventilator Work?

Why Would You Need a Ventilator?

What Kind of Care Does a Person Need When on a Ventilator?

What are the Risks of Being on a Ventilator?

FAQs about Ventilators

What are the things monitored during ventilation?

What medications will my doctor give when I am under ventilation?

What is a ventilator?

When might I need a ventilator?

How does a ventilator work?

What are the possible risks associated with a ventilator?

How long will I have to spend on a ventilator?

Will I be awake during the time that I'm on a ventilator?

Can I communicate while I'm on a ventilator?

How will doctors monitor my condition while on a ventilator?

What happens when I no longer need the ventilator?

What can I expect while recovering after I have been on a ventilator?

Is a ventilator only used in hospitals?

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