The patient when removed from ventilation needs extra care and diligent management of possible health concerns. Otherwise, it could bring in range of complications. The decision of removing the patient from breathing machines is not free of hassle but sticks around the general health of the patient and the basic cause of lung damage along with ability of lungs getting to normal function.
Let’s get into how weaning affects the life expectancy of ventilated patient. But first have a look into what it is and what are the key players that make this process matter of concern. Also, what precautions can improve post weaning outcomes.
Weaning Process
Ventilator is the life savior mechanism for the patients suffering from abnormal respiratory function. However, long term use of machine can damage the respiratory organ and reduce its ability to breathe normally. This is why, physician prefer to weaning off the patient, bring down the artificial breathing support gradually to recover the normal function of lungs and avoid further damage. To avoid sudden shock to lungs weaning is done gradually considering the response of the patient after removing breathing support. The successful survival of the patient after weaning is the indication of restored respiratory muscles and assures that patient is capable of breathing on his own.
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Life expectancy of Patients after Weaning
Patients when removed from ventilation may survive for few hours to weeks or months depending on initial condition and process of recovery. Respiratory system once put on support needs some time to start normally and most of the patients especially those in critical condition generally fail to succeed to life after mechanical ventilation is not in use.
There are no hard and fast figures showing exact number of patients survived after weaning or the years they survived for.
However, observing general trends in patients, it is assumed that average post-weaning time for patients to survive against COPD is 2 to 3 years. While this time period decreases to even less than one year when disease is of progressive nature like ALS. While studies show that the rate of post weaning survival in ICU patients, showing no severe initial symptoms or complications during treatment, has increased to 50% from 30%.
- It is agreed that the mortality ratio of patients after weaning may vary and can even worsen if
- Patient is going through chronic respiratory diseases like COPD or ALS.
- Age is above 65 and general health of patient is not satisfactory.
- Mechanical ventilation is observed for longer period.
- Patient suffers from medical complications like infections and organ failures during ventilation period.
Post Weaning Considerations
Post weaning period is difficult for both patient and his family not only physically but also psychologically and emotionally. The shifting of patient from ventilation mechanism to natural breathing system is more likely painful for the patient. Also, he can feel morally and emotionally low due to medication and fear of losing life. It is thus essential to provide the patient with moral and emotional support along with the physical comfort. This need puts focus on providing patient with hospice services and palliative care especially when survival span of patient is shorter.
Healthcare providers can offer a comprehensive support combining counseling and communicating the expected post weaning outcomes and prognosis to the patient and his caretakers. The ultimate goal is to manage the post weaning symptoms of the patient as well as providing emotional and spiritual support to not only patient but also his family while moving towards goodbye time.
Summary
Summing up, the chances of survival of a patient after he is weaned off, vary widely due to circumstances. The health status of the patient and severity of illness determines the time period the patient will survive after removing breathing support. It is better and advisable to focus on providing physical and emotional support to the patient rather to consider the outcomes of weaning.
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