About Disease
Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) refers to positive pressure ventilation support provided through a non-invasive interface (nasal mask, facemask, or nasal plugs), instead of an invasive interface (endotracheal tube, tracheostomy). It implies to the application of respiratory support via sealed masks without the need of intubation. NIV tend to decrease the utilization of resources as compared with invasive ventilation thereby avoiding its related complications and adding comfort to the patient. It has become a significant mechanism of respiratory support system both inside & outside ICU by providing assisted breaths and replacing artificial airway mechanically.
NIV can be further categorized as – Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) and Negative Pressure Ventilation (NPV). The former comprises Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure.
About Symptoms
The most common side effects of BiPAP therapy include:
- dry nose
- nasal congestion
- rhinitis
- general discomfort
- claustrophobia
If your mask is loose, you may also experience a mask air leak. This can keep the machine from maintaining the prescribed pressure. If this happens, it can affect your breathing.
About Treatment
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy is often used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is an umbrella term for lung and respiratory diseases that make breathing difficult.
Modern BiPAP machines are tabletop devices fitted with tubing and a mask. You simply put the mask over your nose and/or mouth to receive two levels of pressurized air. One pressure level is delivered when you inhale, and a lower pressure is delivered when you exhale.
BiPAP machines often feature a “smart” breath timer that adapts to your respiratory patterns. It automatically resets the level of pressurized air when needed to help keep your breathing level on target.
This therapy is a type of noninvasive ventilation (NIV). That’s because BiPAP therapy doesn’t require a surgical procedure, such as intubation or tracheotomy.
