A ventilator is a mechanical device used for artificial breathing. A tube is inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea. Through the tube, the machine pushes air into the lungs. They are artificial lungs that push oxygen into the lungs. Thus the lungs rest well and heal. They are used in intensive care patients, patients who have breathing problems, in COVID patients, etc.
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My uncle can only breathe with artificial support. Why?
Query: Hi doctor, My uncle had a high fever for a week, along with a cough, which gradually increased. After no improvements even after taking medicines, we admitted him to a hospital near our place, where they took a chest x-ray and did blood tests. They confirmed it as pneumonia, and he was put on oxygen... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and the details that you have given. His history and available investigations suggest the possibility of swine flu. Swine flu has many variants, and H1N1 is one of them. If H1N1 is negative,... Read Full »
Can a patient having closed head injury use BCV for ventilation?
Query: Hi doctor, My patient is 49 years old who suffered from a closed head injury at 16 years old. More recently, he has been using his noninvasive ventilator almost continuously. We wish to try out a Hayek BCV to help him reduce using his non invasive ventilation (NIV) less often. Can you recommend the ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for the query. I can understand your concern. According to your statement, your patient had a history of head injury at 16 years old. Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation or Hayek BCV is an effective way of non-invasive external ventilation and an alternative to other ... Read Full »
Friend with refractory TTP on ventilator despite antibiotics. Next steps?
Query: Hi doctor, My friend has refractory TTP. He is aged 44 with no significant history. After remission contracted PCP standard antibiotics were administered. He is very sick with a respiratory infection and will be put on a mechanical ventilator. He is not responding to all lines of medications. LDH is... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. He has got an infection due to immunosuppressants used for the primary treatment. PCP Usually responds well to antibiotics, especially Cotrimox and it may take a few days to improve till then he will need mechanical ventilation as the lungs are not functioning properly ... Read Full »
Do the length of ventilator depends on lung infection rather than neurological problem?
Query: Hi doctor, Does the length of time in critical care always reflect the severity? Is the length of time on a ventilator depend more on the cause i.e. longer if lung infection rather than neurological, etc? Can you have severe illness complications and still be in ICU for a short while? When I was 2... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I am so sorry that you went through so much and I am glad to know that you have made it. You are extremely lucky to have survived all this. It seems like after persistent seizure you developed acidosis that pushed you in cardiogenic shock. Very few people come out of it... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor, My uncle is sick. He had a liver transplant ten years ago. About a month ago, he was diagnosed with pneumonia and pancreatitis. The doctors said that the pancreatitis caused multi-organ failure. The doctor put him on broad-spectrum antibiotics. A few days later, his right lung collapse... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome toicliniq.com. I read your query and can understand your concern. Basically, because of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), your uncle developed multi-organ dysfunction. Here lungs and kidneys are affected and not functioning well (attachment removed to protect patient's i... Read Full »
What can be done to prevent the worsening of the rare meningococcal myelitis variant?
Query: Hello doctor,My question is on behalf of a patient. The current patient has what doctors think is a variant of meningococcal myelitis. The patient had a history of fever, cold, and tiredness (symptoms similar to mononucleosis) that started a week ago. Later on, paralysis and numbness began and have ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.I have read your query and understand your concerns. Although I have never had firsthand experience with a patient with meningococcal myelitis, I did observe one patient being treated and recovering from the disease during my housemanship period. I remember that the ind... Read Full »
Can you go through the reports of my relative's daughter and suggest a treatment plan?
Query: Hello doctor, My relative's daughter, who is 16 years old, met with a car accident. She is admitted to the hospital. Please give your suggestions on her case. She is currently undergoing surgery. The below extract was of her case study. The doctors say that the body below her neck is not moving. Can... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand the case scenario. The reason behind her low blood pressure and inability to move all four limbs is actually the cervical spinal cord injury. Surgery is risky because of low blood pressure, but it is possible to operate if the anesthetic team is able to manag... Read Full »
What could cause breathing difficulty in an older adult with a strange response?
Query: Hello doctor, A few nights ago, I went into my dad’s room, and I noticed that he was acting bizarre. He was responsive, but he was snoring at the same time. I gave him a banana, and he actually ate it, but this snoring would still happen on and off, so I ended up calling emergency. They took ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Based on your description, the situation seems to be exceptional. If he was able to eat a banana, it means that he was conscious in a way. What was his past medical history? Did he suffer from diabetes? This situation could be related to a possible stroke (in the... Read Full »
Am I at an increased risk for gastric bypass surgery complications?
Query: Hi doctor, I am advised to have a gastric bypass. I am worried about the anesthesia and surgical risk because I am a 79 year old married male. I am obese with 265 lbs weight and 5'11" height. I am a diabetic, but it is under control with insulin. I also have emphysema. I use Spiriva daily and wear a... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Regarding your query, you are definitely having a high risk of postoperative complications after surgery. You cannot eliminate your comorbidities, but can only optimize them. Do not stop any medication on your own as it may cause unnecessary delay in the procedure. Please... Read Full »
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