By: Joy Tando
There has been a shocking twenty-two million people worldwide affected by COVID-19. The virus targets patients in the lungs and causes advanced respiratory issues, resulting in a difficulty receiving oxygen. In Lombardy, Italy, early coronavirus victims were reported to not needing invasive mechanical ventilation. Instead, they were treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices that use seventy percent less oxygen than other models.
But, how do CPAP machines work? Simply put, they increase air pressure through the throat in a way that prevents the airway from closing. This creates benefits such as lower blood pressure, reduced fatigue, lower risk of heart disease, and improved focus. The recommended use of this device is six hours every night, however, it does take longer for a large improvement. Unfortunately, many countries lack access to this device and face a shortage of supplies and donations. Instead, hospitals turn to bi-level positive airway pressure (Bi-PAP) and ventilators. Bi-PAP devices are commonly used for sleeping apnea, a condition where the person breathes irregularly while dormant. The CPAP and Bi-PAP are similar in that they both are non-invasive masks that provide assistance to retain oxygen, but contrast by the Bi-PAP containing two different air pressures: one for inhalation (IPAP), and one for exhalation (EPAP). "BiPAP and CPAP machines absolutely can be useful in the fight against COVID-19," stated Yoel Hareven, the international director at Sheba Medical Center in Israel. "In recent weeks Sheba has converted these into life-saving devices in the fight against coronavirus, and they are presently in use in our coronavirus unit."
On the other hand, ventilators are invasive tubes that go down the throat and into the lungs, forcefully delivering oxygen. They contain various settings depending on the patient’s age, height, and weight. Ventilators provide necessary aid to patients that are unable to breathe physically. So although CPAPs greatly benefit COVID patients, they cannot offer blended oxygen concentrations along with a lack of alarms and monitor interfaces like ventilators do.
Children are able to adjust and breathe easily to ventilators. Although approaching the challenge of using a ventilator on a child at home requires a team to begin the process. This is because there could be potential accidents that could happen with the machine or an emergency with the child and is necessary for an awake and trained caregiver. All three devices present specific uses and attributes to aid patients of different symptoms and needs. However, while they may be different, they may just be the key to reducing or even stopping this pandemic.
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