Why ventilators are important
The coronavirus targets lungs and kills people from severe acute lung infections such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Around 5% of the total patients infected with the disease (Covid-19) need a ventilator to assist them in breathing
WHAT IS INTUBATION?
A breathing tube n called an endotracheal tube is inserted through a patient’s mouth or nose to reach the throat (trachea). The process is called intubation. The tube is normally used for people who need support for short periods, as during surgery or in
ICUS.
For people who n need ventilation for longer periods, intubation is done through a surgically-created opening in the front of the neck to reach the windpipe (trachea) through a procedure called a tracheostomy.
The tube is held in n place by tape or with a tube-holder strap around the head or neck.
Both types of n breathing tubes pass through the vocal cords and affect speaking abilities depending on the intubation process used
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Bacteria may enter the lungs during n intubation and cause ventilator-associated pneumonia.
The chances of sinus infection goes up, more so in n people with endotracheal intubation.
Air leaking out of the lungs into the space n between the lungs and the chest wall (pneumothorax) may cause pain, shortness of breath, or lung collapse.
Too much pressure can damage the lungs, as can n
oxygen toxicity if the levels are too high.