How long should my mother stay on a ventilator?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 98 year old mother is on a ventilator. Yesterday, they did a T-piece trial and for an hour everything looked good. But, the blood gases showed 61% Co2 and her last blood gas was 51% while on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). They are going to do another test in a few days. The head respiratory therapist (RT) said because of that Co2 she will never be weaned off. Is it true?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. We are here to help you. It all depends on the primary cause leading her to a ventilator. In case it is an acute pneumonia or bronchitis, once the infection settles, then the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCo2) levels settle automatic and the lung function will improve. In fact, if she is conscious and breathing appropriate, then she can put on a non-invasive BiPAP machine (bilevel positive airway pressure) for a week or two till her lung function improves. Once her lung function improves, she will not require any support. However, if her problem is a chronic one and she develops Co2 retention frequently, then she may require long term use of BiPAP machine.