Home ventilation therapy is used for patients who, for various reasons, are unable to ventilate the lungs sufficiently. This leads to a decreased gas exchange in the alveoli, and thereby a decreased level of oxygen and increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood. It is often referred to as ‘mechanical ventilation’ since a ventilator takes over the duties normally performed for the lungs by the diaphragm - inhaling and exhaling. Ventilation therapy can be non- invasive using a mask that covers both the patient's mouth and nose or invasive. Invasive therapy is administered through a tracheotomy, where a small opening directly into the windpipe is created.
Who needs mechanical ventilation?
Reasons for a respiratory failure such as this are various: very severe COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) , ALS, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy or spinal cord injury, where in the latter case the lung might be in perfect shape, but the muscles and nerves do not sufficiently support the breathing system anymore.
Who can be treated at home?
Until some years ago, ventilation therapy was only possible at a hospital, which might be difficult, especially for patients who are stable, but still dependent on long-term ventilation therapy. Modern technology has made it possible for these patients to be treated outside the intensive care unit and outside the hospital in general. Even invasively-ventilated patients can be treated at a specialized ventilation center or at home, if the network of patient, physician and family is well coordinated and managed. Of course, many patients require intensive care from nurses up to 24 hours per day, but the medical, social and psychological benefits in these cases are notable.
The goal of alternative site ventilation is always to improve the patient’s quality of life.
For more information, please send us an e-mail to homecare@linde-gas.com or call your local contact.