Treatment

Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)

Overview

Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) is a medical treatment used to help people who have difficulty breathing. It provides a way to assist with breathing without the need for invasive procedures like intubation (inserting a tube into the windpipe). NIV uses a machine to deliver air or oxygen through a mask or other device placed over the nose or mouth. It helps improve oxygen levels and relieve strain on the lungs allowing the body to breathe more easily.

Why Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) Treatment is required?

• Helps people with breathing difficulties due to lung conditions like COPD or asthma.
• Improves oxygen levels when the body struggles to breathe properly.
• Reduces the need for invasive procedures like intubation or ventilators.
• It’s a gentler approach to assisting with breathing.

Key advantages of Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) Treatment:

• Gentle and comfortable: No need for tubes in the throat or invasive surgery.
• Quick relief: Helps improve breathing and oxygen levels almost immediately.
• Less risk: Reduces the chance of infections compared to invasive methods.
• Convenient: Uses a mask or nasal device instead of a ventilator tube.

How should you prepare yourself before taking Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) Treatment?

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing to make it easier for the device to fit.
• Inform your doctor about any breathing or heart conditions you have.
• Ensure the device fits properly and ask your doctor or nurse to check the mask or device.
• Relax and stay calm, NIV is designed to be non-invasive and gentle.

How Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) Treatment is performed?

• A mask or nasal device is placed over your nose or mouth.
• The NIV machine delivers air or oxygen under pressure to assist your breathing.
• You breathe normally as the machine supports your lungs and helps improve oxygen flow.
• The treatment can be done while you are sitting, lying down or resting comfortably.

What you can expect Before procedure, During procedure, and After procedure?

• Before: You will receive a full explanation of how NIV works and what to expect.
• During: You will be asked to wear a mask or nasal device. It might feel a bit uncomfortable at first but you will get used to it.
• After: You will feel relieved as your breathing improves. Your doctor will monitor your progress to ensure everything is working well.

Risk and Potential Complications:

• Discomfort: Wearing the mask or device may feel a bit uncomfortable.
• Skin irritation: Prolonged use of the mask could cause mild irritation on the skin.
• Nasal congestion: Some people may experience dryness or congestion in the nose.
• Difficulty adjusting: In rare cases it might be hard to get used to the pressure or mask.

Results/Outcomes:

• Improved breathing: You will breathe easier and feel less out of breath.
• Increased oxygen levels: The treatment helps raise oxygen levels in the blood.
• Reduced hospital stay: Many people can avoid more invasive procedures and go home sooner.