Ventilator
Ventilator
Mechanical ventilation is a form of life support. A mechanical ventilator is a machine that takes over the work of breathing when a person is not able to breathe enough on their own. The mechanical ventilator is also called a ventilator, respirator, or
breathing machine. There are many reasons why a patient may need a ventilator, but low oxygen levels or severe shortness of breath from an infection such as pneumonia are the most common reasons.
- To deliver high concentrations of oxygen into the lungs.
- To help get rid of carbon dioxide.
- To decrease the amount of energy a patient uses on breathing so their body can concentrate on fighting infection or recovering.
- To breathe for a patient who is unconscious because of a severe infection, build up of toxins, or drug overdose.
