Pneumonia that requires a Ventilator

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In summary, a ventilator is used to relieve the effort of breathing in those with pneumonia who have impaired lung function.
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lucas_
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Why is ventilator required in some pneumonia? Is it not when the alveoli were filled up with fluid, no air can get in so how can ventilator help?
 
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According to NIH, it's to relieve the effort:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/ventilatorventilator-support
For Impaired Lung Function
You may need a ventilator if a disease, condition, or other factor has impaired your breathing. Although you might be able to breathe on your own, it's very hard work. You may feel short of breath and uncomfortable. A ventilator can help ease the work of breathing. People who can't breathe on their own also use ventilators.

Many diseases, conditions, and factors can affect lung function. Examples include:

  • Pneumonia (nu-MO-ne-ah) and other infections
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or other lung diseases
  • Upper spinal cord injuries, polio, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, and other diseases or factors that affect the nerves and muscles involved in breathing
  • Brain injury or stroke
  • Drug overdose
A ventilator helps you breathe until you recover. If you can't recover enough to breathe on your own, you may need a ventilator for the rest of your life.
So, presumably the pneumonia has not completely blocked every alveoli - but there is so much blockage that breathing is too much of an effort.
 
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.Scott said:
According to NIH, it's to relieve the effort:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/ventilatorventilator-support

So, presumably the pneumonia has not completely blocked every alveoli - but there is so much blockage that breathing is too much of an effort.

It helps because the air from the ventilator forces your lungs to inhale and exhale without the effort of the diaphragm? If its only to let air in the remaining alveoli. The patient can just breath more.
 
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Yup.
 
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.Scott said:
According to NIH, it's to relieve the effort:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/ventilatorventilator-support

So, presumably the pneumonia has not completely blocked every alveoli - but there is so much blockage that breathing is too much of an effort.
Yes it is worth mentioning that with severe/ life threatening illness the voluntary muscles are weakened so it is a real effort to make those movements to get enough air.

This is on top of any respiratory infection like pneumonia.

Immunosuppressed/cancer patients/ elderly patients can be susceptible to pneumonia infection so the medical teams are already dealing with more than one issue.
 

FAQ: Pneumonia that requires a Ventilator

1. What is pneumonia that requires a ventilator?

Pneumonia that requires a ventilator is a severe form of pneumonia that affects the lungs and requires the use of a mechanical ventilator to help the patient breathe. This type of pneumonia is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection and can lead to respiratory failure if not treated promptly.

2. How is pneumonia that requires a ventilator treated?

The main treatment for pneumonia that requires a ventilator is the use of a mechanical ventilator to help the patient breathe. This is often accompanied by antibiotics to treat the underlying infection and other supportive measures such as oxygen therapy and medication to reduce inflammation in the lungs.

3. What are the symptoms of pneumonia that requires a ventilator?

The symptoms of pneumonia that requires a ventilator are similar to those of regular pneumonia, but more severe. These may include difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, chills, and coughing up mucus. In some cases, patients may also experience confusion, low blood pressure, and a bluish tint to the skin due to a lack of oxygen.

4. Who is at risk for developing pneumonia that requires a ventilator?

Anyone can develop pneumonia that requires a ventilator, but certain groups are at a higher risk. These include older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems, chronic lung diseases, or other underlying health conditions. Additionally, those who have recently had surgery or are on a breathing machine are also at an increased risk.

5. Can pneumonia that requires a ventilator be prevented?

While it is not always possible to prevent pneumonia that requires a ventilator, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include getting vaccinated against pneumonia and the flu, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, and seeking prompt treatment for respiratory infections. It is also important to manage any underlying health conditions that may increase the risk of developing pneumonia.

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