Assisted Breathing

Assisted breathing refers to the use of medical devices or techniques to support a patient's breathing when they are unable to breathe on their own or require additional respiratory assistance.

Types of Assisted Breathing

• Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV): Provides ventilatory support without the need for an invasive airway, such as a mask or nasal prongs.
• Invasive Ventilation: Requires the insertion of an endotracheal tube into the patient's airway to provide mechanical ventilation.
• Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP): Delivers two different levels of air pressure, one for inhalation and a lower level for exhalation.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Provides a constant flow of air pressure into the patient's airways to keep them open.

Indications for Assisted Breathing

Assisted breathing may be indicated in various medical conditions, including:

• Respiratory failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Neuromuscular diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Spinal cord injuries

Benefits of Assisted Breathing

The benefits of assisted breathing include:

• Improved oxygenation and ventilation
• Reduced work of breathing
• Increased comfort and reduced anxiety
• Support for patients with respiratory failure or other conditions that affect breathing

Risks and Complications

Possible risks and complications associated with assisted breathing include:

• Skin irritation or pressure sores from the mask or device
• Eye irritation or dryness
• Nosebleeds or sinus infections
• Pneumonia or other respiratory infections
• Dependence on the device

Contraindications

Assisted breathing may be contraindicated in certain situations, such as:

• Severe facial trauma or instability
• Recent oral or nasal surgery
• Untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Esophageal reflux disease (GERD) with severe symptoms

Monitoring and Maintenance

Patients receiving assisted breathing require regular monitoring, including:

• Vital sign checks (oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure)
• Respiratory status assessments (breathing rate, depth, and effort)
• Device checks (functionality, settings, and alarms)

Training and Education

Healthcare professionals should receive training on the use and maintenance of assisted breathing devices, as well as patient education on proper use, care, and troubleshooting.