Does apnea require lifelong use of a ventilator?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, apnea may require lifelong use of a ventilator. If a patient has severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome, with an apnea-hypopnea index greater than 20 events per hour, and experiences hypoxemia or carbon dioxide retention during sleep, ventilator support is typically necessary to assist with sleep.
In general, whether apnea requires lifelong use of a ventilator depends on the individual patient's specific condition. If the treatment outcome is poor, the patient may need to use a ventilator; however, if the treatment is effective, ventilator use may not be necessary.
If a patient has severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome, with an apnea-hypopnea index greater than 20 events per hour, and experiences hypoxemia or carbon dioxide retention during sleep, ventilator support during sleep is typically required. Without timely intervention and treatment, lifelong ventilator use may be necessary to maintain normal respiratory function.
If after treatment the symptoms of apnea significantly improve and the patient can maintain stable respiratory function, long-term dependence on a ventilator may not be needed.
Patients are advised to sleep in a lateral position to reduce the risk of tongue base collapse and airway narrowing. Some assistive devices, such as specialized sleep pillows or positional therapy devices, can be used to help maintain a side-sleeping position.
