What is a ventilator? (Ventilator) - Let's learn about this simply, shall we?

Have you ever been to an intensive care unit ( ICU )? Or maybe you've seen it in a movie, where very sick patients are hooked up to a machine to help them breathe. Many people are scared when they see this machine, but it's actually an extremely important medical device that can save many lives. We call it a ventilator. So, today we're going to talk about what actually happens with this ventilator and why it's needed.

What is a ventilator, simply put?

Simply put, a ventilator is a machine that helps you breathe for you when you have difficulty breathing on your own. It is also called a mechanical ventilator .

Think of our lungs as two small balloons. When we breathe in, these balloons inflate with oxygen , and when we breathe out, they contract with carbon dioxide , which is not needed by the body. In some serious medical conditions, accidents, or when we are under anesthesia for major surgery, our body is no longer able to perform this breathing process properly on its own. That's when a ventilator comes to our rescue.

This mainly does two things:

1. Oxygen-rich air is pumped into your lungs.

2. Helps to expel carbon dioxide gas, which is harmful to the body, from the lungs.

Are there different types of ventilators?

Yes, there are several types and methods of ventilators used depending on the patient's condition. Your doctor will decide which method is best for you.

In what situations is a ventilator needed?

There are several reasons why someone may need a ventilator, either short-term or long-term.

• For surgery : During a major operation, the general anesthesia given can make our breathing weak. Therefore, a ventilator helps until we wake up from the anesthesia.
• Respiratory Failure: This is the name given to a condition in which you are unable to breathe on your own. This can happen suddenly, or it can develop slowly due to a chronic illness.
• Infections like COVID-19: As you may recall, during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients whose lungs were severely damaged by the virus , filled with fluid, and were unable to breathe on their own required ventilator support.
• Other medical conditions:
• Brain damage or stroke
• Severe pneumonia
• Chronic lung diseases like COPD ( Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease )
• ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) - a condition in which the lungs fill with fluid
• Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis)
• Diseases that affect the nerves and muscles (e.g. Guillain-Barré syndrome)
• Coma state

What happens when you are connected to a ventilator?

To be honest, it's not a very comfortable experience. You may feel uncomfortable with a tube in your mouth. But you won't feel any pain. This is because the doctors will give you sedatives to keep you relaxed and comfortable. Sometimes, even though you're awake, you may not be fully conscious. If the condition is severe, the doctors may decide to put you completely to sleep to help your body recover faster.

The medical staff will be constantly monitoring your condition. They will constantly measure things like your blood pressure, heart rate , and oxygen levels. A respiratory therapist will also use a suction tube to remove mucus from your lungs.

If you have a tube in your mouth, you will not be able to talk or eat or drink. You will be given essential nutrition through an IV (saline) or another tube placed in your stomach.

If someone you know is on a ventilator...

This is a difficult time for both the patient and the family. If your loved one is in this situation, here are some things you can do to help:

• Stay positive: Your strength is a great strength to him.
• Talk often: He can hear you. Your voice will comfort him.
• Hold hands: He will feel your touch.
• Help with communication: If he is awake, help him communicate with signs, writing, and pointing.
• Bring something familiar from home: something he used, like a pillowcase or a robe, to make him feel comfortable.

What are the possible complications of a ventilator?

Although a ventilator is a life-saving device, it can also cause some complications. Doctors and nursing staff are always aware of these risks and take the necessary steps to prevent them.

How do you remove yourself from the ventilator?

This is not something that happens all at once. Once the doctors are sure that you can breathe well on your own, they will gradually reduce the support from the ventilator and eventually remove the tube. We call this process 'weaning' .

It is normal to initially feel a sore throat and a hoarse voice after the tube is removed. Some people may also feel a little confused and physically weak. All of this will gradually improve over time.