Have you recently heard of patients in ventilator support have a higher risk of morbidity due to covid-19? That maybe Yes. But you may wonder what is a ventilator and what’s the difference between ventilator and oxygen supply given to patients. Let’s see what is it. Both are oxygen supplementation treatment given to patients who experience lower oxygen levels in the body.
A ventilator is a mechanical system that is used to supply oxygenated air to patients experiencing low oxygen in the body, It is an intrusive type that involves surgical insertion of thin pipes to the patient’s lung to supply oxygenated air. A ventilator works as a breathing machine when patients can’t able to breathe.
Oxygen supply is a non-intrusive method for supplying oxygen to the patients. In this type, only the oxygen is supplied near or into the patient’s nasal passage through thin pipes or mask.
Difference between Ventilator and Oxygen
| Ventilator | Oxygen Supply |
|---|---|
| It is an Intrusive method of supplying oxygen to patients. | It is a non-intrusive method of supplying oxygen to patients. |
| The oxygen tube is surgically connected to the patient’s windpipe. | The oxygen tubes are placed near or in the nasal passage. |
| Helps increase oxygen content in the blood. | Helps increase oxygen content in the blood. |
| The ventilator works as a breathing machine i.e inhale and exhale. | The patient is responsible for breathing. |
| Removes excess carbon dioxide out of the lungs. | The patient exhales carbon dioxide on their own. |
| Used in critically ill patients who can’t breathe on their own. | Used in patients who are able to breathe on their own. |