What's a Ventilator and What Does It Do?

4. For Illnesses

Ventilators are also used during treatment for severe lung diseases and other conditions that impair normal breathing. The machines ease breathing for people experiencing discomfort and shortness of breath. Ideally, a ventilator is a short-term treatment until treatment restores normal breathing. If an individual does not recover enough to breathe independently, they might need a ventilator for the rest of their life. Many issues can impede lung function, including:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS), upper spinal cord injuries, and other conditions affecting the muscles and nerves involved with breathing
• Stroke or brain injury
• Drug overdose