Mechanical Ventilation in Delhi | Ventilator Support Specialist

Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation is a life-support technique where a machine (ventilator) helps or completely takes over breathing for a person who cannot breathe adequately on their own. It usually requires a tube inserted into the windpipe (intubation).

Causes

Severe lung infections:

Pneumonia (bacterial, viral, fungal)
COVID-19 with respiratory failure
Tuberculosis with extensive lung damage
Chronic lung diseases worsening suddenly:
Acute exacerbation of COPD
Severe asthma attacks
Interstitial lung disease (lung fibrosis) with respiratory failure
Neuromuscular disorders impairing breathing muscles:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Muscular dystrophies
Guillain-Barré syndrome

Trauma or injury:

Chest trauma (rib fractures, lung contusions)
Head injury affecting breathing control
Post-surgical support:
After major surgeries, especially involving the chest or abdomen
During general anesthesia

Symptoms

Extreme shortness of breath or inability to breathe.
Low oxygen levels despite oxygen therapy.
High carbon dioxide levels causing confusion or drowsiness.
Fatigue or loss of consciousness due to respiratory failure.

Diagnosis

Clinical evaluation by doctors.
Blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels via arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.
Imaging (chest X-ray or CT scan) to assess lung condition.
Monitoring vital signs and consciousness level.

Treatment

A tube is inserted into your windpipe (intubation) or sometimes through a tracheostomy (surgical opening in the neck).
The ventilator machine delivers controlled breaths or assists your breathing effort.
Settings are adjusted by doctors based on your needs (oxygen concentration, breathing rate, volume).
Usually provided in intensive care units (ICU) under close monitoring.
Duration varies from hours to weeks depending on recovery.

How to prepare for the test?

Intubation is done by trained healthcare professionals in a hospital.
You may be sedated or given anesthesia during intubation.
Continuous monitoring during ventilation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is mechanical ventilation painful?

The procedure is done under sedation, so you won’t feel pain during intubation.

2. Can I speak or eat while on ventilation?

No, usually you cannot speak or eat while intubated; feeding is done via other methods.

3. How long does mechanical ventilation last?

It depends on your illness and recovery; some use it briefly, others for longer periods.

4. What happens after I come off the ventilator?

You may feel weak or sore but will get support with breathing exercises and rehabilitation.