Many people who have experienced or continue to experience breathing problems on a severe scale are aware of the ventilator devices. A ventilator device works as a support system to offer proper aid to take over the breathing process. People who get shifted to the intensive care units may require the support of the ventilator. So, here is what you need to know about a ventilator device.

What does a ventilator devices do?

The typical job of a ventilator device is to offer support to recreate the process of breathing. It pumps air into the lungs. Thus, it is also popularly known as the breathing machine. Doctors usually use a ventilator in case a patient becomes unable to breathe properly on their own. It usually happens due to anesthesia or when a severe illness of the person affects breathing.

There are usually various types of ventilators that work to provide a variety of levels of support as per the need of the patient. Based on the condition of the patient, usually, the doctor opts for a particular type of ventilator.

Who feels the need for a ventilator devices?

If a situation occurs when a person cannot get enough oxygen and fails to expel carbon dioxide properly, then it can result in a life-threatening condition. In such cases, a patient needs a ventilation device that restores the supply of oxygen in them.

Here are the possible reasons for respiratory failure.

• Lung disease
• Head injury
• Stroke 
• Cardiac arrest
• Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
• Pneumonia
• COVID-19
• Sepsis
• Spinal cord injury
• Polio
• ARDS

Also, doctors sometimes consider using ventilator devices for patients who have undergone some surgery and feel the need to breathe through support due to anesthesia.

Types of ventilator devices:

Based on the functionality of the ventilator devices, it comes in various types as given below.

Face mask ventilators:

The face mask ventilator works as a non-invasive form of breathing support to help a person with the proper level of oxygen. To use this unit, one person has to wear a mask that fits over their nose and mouth area to ensure the proper delivery of the air through the airways and lungs.

Usually, it offers a high level of pressure to a patient who feels the need for a steady air delivery through their passageways.

Manual Resuscitator bags:

The manual resuscitator bags usually come in the form of various equipment which allows the patient to control the airflow through their ventilator with their hands. These devices come with an empty bag or a bladder, which the person squeezes to pump the air through their lungs.

One can attach this device with a face mask ventilator. If they are intubated, then the doctor can opt for attaching the tube to their throat, which offers a temporary solution for a mechanical ventilator. In case there is a power shortage in a hospital, then this method of ventilation is going to work as a temporary way of life-saving for the patient.

Mechanical ventilator:

Mechanical ventilator devices work as a machine that opts for functioning the complete breathing process. Doctors usually use this device when a person fails to breathe on their own. Mechanical ventilators work with the help of a tube in the throat of a person.

It helps in pumping air through the lungs and transports the carbon dioxide outside of the body. A ventilator unit works to regulate the pressure, temperature, and humidity of the air. This helps a healthcare professional to control the breathing and oxygen level of a person.

Tracheostomy ventilator:

People who undergo a tracheostomy feel the need for this particular kind of ventilator. A tracheostomy is a procedure where the physician creates an opening for a windpipe and then inserts a tube.

It allows for steady airflow and out to facilitate natural breathing. It enables a person to breathe without the help of their nose or mouth.

Conclusion:

The ventilator devices are the must-have ones to treat a person who is feeling a shortage of breathing due to their severe health condition. Understanding the various types of ventilator devices helps you to know what kind of device your doctor is going to recommend you and for what reason.