The term “ventilator” has become particularly familiar during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given its crucial role in the management of severe respiratory conditions, the specifics of how a ventilator works warrant a closer look. 

Understanding what to expect during and after being on a ventilator can equip individuals and their loved ones with the knowledge to navigate this challenging phase more effectively. 

What Is a Ventilator?

Simply put, a ventilator is a life-support system that assists with breathing when individuals are unable to breathe on their own. Its primary function lies in ensuring an optimal balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the body — an essential aspect of maintaining life.

A ventilator is most commonly used during severe respiratory failure, which can occur due to conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or even trauma to the chest. 

The coronavirus pandemic has also highlighted the need for these breathing machines when the virus leads to severe lung involvement for COVID-19 patients experiencing difficulty breathing.

Additionally, ventilators may be employed during certain surgeries, particularly those that require general anesthesia. Since anesthesia can affect the normal breathing mechanism, the ventilator steps in to ensure the patient continues to receive an adequate supply of oxygen.

Think of a ventilator as a supportive companion in breathing, stepping in when the body's usual mechanisms need assistance. It enriches the air a patient breathes by increasing its oxygen content and then aids the lungs in expelling carbon dioxide — a by-product of the body's metabolic processes.

To carry out this task, a ventilator employs an endotracheal tube, a soft plastic conduit that finds its path into the windpipe, or trachea. This tube allows the ventilator to deliver oxygen-rich air directly into the tiny sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, fulfilling its vital role in sustaining life when the body's natural respiratory efforts falter.

What Can You Expect While You’re on a Ventilator?

Undergoing mechanical ventilation is undoubtedly a significant phase in any patient's medical journey. Understanding this process and knowing what to expect can help alleviate some of the concerns you may have about going on it.

Before you start ventilator support, you’ll receive an essential procedure known as intubation. This procedure, typically conducted under sedation, involves the placement of an endotracheal tube into the patient's trachea, or windpipe, by a healthcare provider — often an anesthesiologist. 

The correct positioning of this tube is confirmed with the help of X-rays. This tube provides a direct path for the ventilator to assist the patient's breathing, delivering oxygen-rich air and helping to remove carbon dioxide.

While a patient is on a ventilator, they are commonly housed in an intensive care unit (ICU) where their vital signs — such as blood pressure and oxygen levels — are vigilantly monitored by a dedicated healthcare team that includes doctors, nurses, critical care specialists, and respiratory therapists. 

The sensation of the breathing tube may cause some side effects, such as discomfort or feelings of disorientation; however, healthcare professionals are adept at managing these sensations to ensure patient comfort. Routine suctioning procedures are performed to clear any build-up in the airway, thereby maintaining a clear passage for airflow.

What Can You Expect After the Ventilator Is Removed?

Weaning off a ventilator — a gradual process determined by a patient's health status, lung function, and strength — marks a notable point in the recovery journey. Post-weaning, physical effects like a sore throat, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort might arise, yet these symptoms are usually temporary and part of the recovery process.

Physical therapy forms a vital part of post-ventilator care. A clinical exercise physiologist typically guides these strength and functionality-restoring exercises, tailoring programs to each patient's needs.

However, physical recuperation is only one part of the journey. Emotions may run high post-ICU, with many patients dealing with changes in routine, residual emotions from the ventilator experience, and potentially, symptoms of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, a robust support system is crucial.

Seeking support from a mental health professional can help patients more effectively manage any emotional distress or mental health conditions on the road to recovery. Choosing a form of pulmonary rehab that prioritizes comfortable and empathetic care is also invaluable. 

At Carda Health, we offer a dynamic, patient-focused solution designed to aid in both the physical and emotional aspects of the recovery process. Our expert, caring team provides physical therapy and emotional support, recognizing the crucial role emotions and mental well-being play in the healing process.

Our approach to pulmonary rehab involves close monitoring of vital signs and providing comprehensive support to promote a comfortable, private, at-home recovery experience. With Carda Health, you're not alone in your journey back to wellness.

What Is Your Diet Like While Being on a Ventilator?

Nutrition plays a vital role during a patient's time on a ventilator and continues to be crucial after the ventilator is removed.

While on ventilator support, patients often receive nutritional support through a feeding tube, as oral feeding can be difficult due to the endotracheal tube. This feeding approach makes sure that the patient's body receives the essential nutrients it needs to support the recovery process.

Once the ventilator is removed, dietary changes may be necessary. Patients may initially find swallowing difficult due to soreness from the breathing tube. Starting with soft, easy-to-swallow foods and gradually reintroducing a regular diet as comfort permits is a common approach.

An important facet to consider is the role of adequate nutrition in recovery. A well-balanced diet can help boost the immune system, support wound healing, and encourage overall wellness. 

How Can Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are essential aspects of recovery after a ventilator has been removed. These processes assist in rebuilding strength, supporting lung function, and promoting overall wellness.

Physical therapy often includes a variety of exercises tailored to meet the individual's needs, which focus on muscle strength and endurance, coordination, and flexibility. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation, a specialized form of rehabilitation, targets individuals with lung conditions. It combines exercise training, nutritional advice, and disease management training to help support lung function.

It's essential to understand that recovery takes time, and everyone progresses at their own pace. Celebrating each step forward, no matter how small, is crucial in fostering a positive and motivated mindset toward recovery.

What Support Systems Should You Have During Recovery?

Recovery is not a journey that should be undertaken alone. The presence of a strong support system can significantly aid in the recovery process.

Trusted family members or loved ones often form the core of this system, providing emotional support, encouragement, and assistance with daily tasks. Additionally, support groups, both in-person and virtual, can offer invaluable guidance and camaraderie from individuals who are experiencing or have undergone similar journeys.

Professional mental health services should also be considered part of your support system. These professionals can provide strategies and tools to manage emotional and psychological effects, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, that may accompany recovery.

At Carda Health, we stand by you during this crucial time. We connect our patients with clinical exercise physiologists for personalized rehabilitation programs and offer comprehensive support, which encompasses not just physical but also emotional, nutritional, and educational aspects. Our vibrant and knowledgeable team is here to ensure you feel supported and empowered in your recovery journey.

What Is Life Like After Being on a Ventilator?

Life after being on a ventilator is a journey of recovery and adaptation. This period involves adjustments to physical and psychological changes, a return to daily activities, and an ongoing commitment to personal health and wellness.

The prognosis for recovery is generally good, particularly with a dedicated rehabilitation program and a robust support system. However, it's important to recognize that the recovery timeline can vary, largely based on the underlying health conditions and the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Possible long-term effects can include lung damage, leading to diminished lung function, as well as reduced endurance, and sometimes, an ongoing need for supplemental oxygen. Emotional challenges and cognitive changes, collectively known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), are also common.

Adapting to life after a ventilator involves embracing a "new normal," which can encompass a gradual return to daily activities and the establishment of new wellness routines. During this period, re-prioritizing healthy lifestyle habits becomes paramount.

Supportive programs like Carda Health’s virtual rehabilitation can ease this transition. By managing symptoms, bolstering strength, and fostering emotional well-being, these programs can help you adapt to changes and overcome challenges along the way. 

Remember, while the road to recovery may seem daunting at first, each step brings you closer to regaining control and moving forward with confidence.

The Bottom Line

While ventilators are life-saving devices that can greatly increase one’s chance of surviving a serious respiratory event, navigating life post-ventilator is a complex journey, marked by physical and psychological adjustments. 

However, with a positive prognosis for recovery, strong support systems, and tailored rehabilitation programs, individuals can gradually regain their strength, improve their wellness, and reacclimate to daily life. While potential long-term effects may present new challenges, these can be effectively managed with the right guidance and support.

Carda Health is here to provide pivotal support during this recovery process with our patient-focused, clinically-proven solution to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. By offering comprehensive support such as personalized exercise regimens, heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, and vital education on nutrition and stress management, Carda Health facilitates comfortable, private, and flexible recovery. 

Our dedicated team is ready to help you navigate your health journey, ensuring you are never alone in your path to improved wellness and a vibrant life post-ventilator.

Sources:

What Is a Ventilator? | NIH

Endotracheal intubation Information | Mount Sinai

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS): Symptoms, Causes & Treatments | Cleveland Clinic

PTSD Symptoms Common Among ICU Survivors| John Hopkins Medicine

Support your immune function with good nutrition | Mayo Clinic