If you are looking at non-invasive ventilation, it might be due to being diagnosed with chronic respiratory failure, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or neuromuscular disorders. Non-invasive ventilation, sometimes called NIV, is a life-changing support and treatment for tens of thousands of people worldwide.
Let’s look at NIV and its potential role in your life.
Defining Non-Invasive Ventilation
NIV is a mechanical form of ventilation which helps you by reducing the pressure on your respiratory muscles, ensures you can build up appropriate oxygen levels in your blood, and reduces the overall strain or discomfort you experience.
Modern-day science has changed the lives of those who suffer from chronic conditions that affect the respiratory system. With the introduction of mobile ventilation systems, you can leave the confines of your home and even go on holiday again with your family. The impact on the quality of your life, daily stress levels and overall mental health is phenomenal.
How Does NIV Work?
NIV’s first function is to create positive airway pressure. Positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment involves mechanically pumping air, under pressure, into your airways and lungs. This simple action has the vital effect of keeping your windpipes open. The delivery of the air under pressure is called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), and it is used to stop occurrences of collapsed airways and assists with conditions brought on by weak respiratory muscles.
The mechanical ventilator produces a concentrated supply of oxygen and forces it, at an appropriate pressure, to your airways. The interface of the machine to you is achieved via a well-fitted, sealed face mask that covers the nose and mouth or a nasal mask.
By using NIV, you will immediately feel a huge drop in the effort you expend to obtain appropriate levels of oxygen. Your lungs will get a much-needed rest. The additional benefit of CPAP is that your chest and lungs are kept in an expanded attitude after exhaling, so your next breath is even easier!
What Is Invasive Ventilation?
Invasive ventilation is achieved by using tubes administered directly into your nasal passages through your nose (or the mouth). The insertion of tubes into the body is called intubation.
To set this up, you are usually put under anaesthetic, and you mostly see this in Intensive Care hospital wards. Therefore, you cannot easily uninstall and reinstall such a treatment, and it is not suitable for home use.
Is Non-Invasive Ventilation A Good Option For Me?
Once you start NIV, you will wonder why you didn’t start it sooner! Your sleep quality will greatly improve, you will feel more alert and have more stamina, and your overall health will increase exponentially. In addition, headache sufferers will have fewer and milder attacks.
Over the medium and long term, you will require fewer visits to the hospital and avoid being intubated. You will also receive bucketloads of convenience and freedom while saving costs by avoiding regular hospital visits.
The last, but by no means the least, benefit is that studies show people who use NIV have greatly reduced mortality rates.
Talk to our team at Limitless Health today about your non-invasive ventilation needs!
