How does nasal cannula work?

Nasal cannula is a medical device used to provide supplemental oxygen to patients who are experiencing respiratory distress or hypoxemia. This device is often seen in hospitals, clinics, and emergency services as it provides non-invasive oxygen therapy to patients without the need for intubation. If you are curious about how nasal cannula works and its benefits, then read on.

Introduction

Have you ever watched an ICU drama where the patient was hooked up with tubes? Well, that’s not what we’re talking about today! Instead of using tubes or masks which can be uncomfortable or restrictive for some individuals, doctors use nasal cannulas instead. It’s like having two small straws inserted into your nostrils; one delivers pure oxygen while the other removes carbon dioxide.

What Is Nasal Cannula And How Does It Look Like?

A nasal cannula is a thin plastic tube that splits into two prongs at one end and connects via a larger tube to an oxygen source (like an Oxygen cylinder). The prongs fit comfortably inside your nostrils, secured by elastic tubing looped around your ears.

It may make you look like a cross between Pinnocchio & Bane’s breathing apparatus from Batman!

However intimidating it may look Medicos assure us that they’re secure enough so there’s no danger of them falling out while wearing it!

A little reassurance just in case somebody thought they were re-enacting National Geographic… Please don’t try this by yourself!!

Component Details Of A Nasal Cannula

What makes up a standard/ simple nasalcannua setup:

  • Prongs: As mentioned earlier these single-tube connectors rest inside each nostril insuring natural swifting nose hair.

  • Oxygen inlets: L-shaped tubing connected via threaded nipples allows connection from bigger gas sources guaranteeing entering stream quality!

  • Tubing: Flexable hosing with length options upto 6ft!

  • Ears loops/ Head Strap: To stabilize the cannula and provide a snug fit.

You might have wondered if an easy attachment doesn’t make it fall out all the time! Oh, well, stability must be what makes it different from straws… or drinking glasses?

How Does It Work?

The nasal cannula is designed to deliver oxygen straight up into your nostrils so the lungs can absorb as much of it as possible. A flow meter called a humidifier (also known as bubbler) mixes air from your room with pure oxygen inside of which passes through this clear plastic tubing then released in each prong. The face’s anatomical design results in limited obstruction minimizing standard breathing functionality.

It functions just like you sip air through hollow straws while blowing bubbles on a hot summer day only that one effort-fee action delivers quenches Oxygen thirst!

Let’s Talk Flow Of Gas Delivery

In medicine, they determine O2 deliverythrough Liters per minutes rate (LPM). Typically trained staff evaluates patients’ respiratory status and assigns them required LPM based upon its severity .To decide upon that specific amount; many variables are accounted for such as age ,weight , overall health status among other things.
For instance:

  1. If someone needs less than four liters per minute of supplemental oxygen – ie., an average healthy individual, – may receive 1-2 LPM depending upon how high they’re able push their saturations with ambient environment.

  2. People requiring chronic care management for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases commonly need close monitoring since patients tend to hypercapnic meaning pCO₂ levels rise causing headaches and somnolence.However use of higher FiO₂ values refines pulmonary vascular resistance resulting improvement in glycemia,Oxygenation amongst several other benefits.(Whatley et al., 2020)

  3. For cases with organ derangement like Chronic heart ailments; The O₂ delivery should be optimized to maintain the percentage of oxygen in the blood stream for better renal as well as cardiac assistance accomplished by matching Oxygen demand and supply across various organs.

Benefits Of Using Nasal Cannula Over Other Devices

Nasal cannulas are frequently used due to their simple design, ease of use, low cost, and reduced probability of complications – let’s explore a few benefits:

Increased mobility

The plastic tubing is lightweight & easy-manageable which facilitates movement compared to other devices that might make you feel bulkier hence restricted in your range-Full freedom!!!

Reducing Infection Risk

Due its Non-invasive nature [it doesn’t penetrate skin/mucosal layers] this device poses nearly no chance of infection/by invading sterile barriers.Next time hospital visits will grant solely health checkups not trying to evade Transnasal foreign object intrusion!!

Comfort-ability

Cannulas now come made from softer pliable material guaranteeing more comfort than ever before.Certain models come equipped with silicon gel loop pads.
Comfort should be priority considering longer treatment options can become quite difficult using inadequately designed gear.

Increasingly daily usage proved somewhat comfortable being weightless including adjustable ear-loops while administering excellent results!

Helps Patients Breathe Easier!

It remains one of Oxygen therapy’s most commonly used devices providing great relief allowing patients a better quality life.In extreme respiratory case scenarios narrows down symptoms such as breathing rate /labored inhaling thus improving lung function(Hardy et al., 2015).

Summary

In conclusion, nasal cannula provides an alternative option for individuals that may need oxygen therapy due to respiratory distress, is a low-risk device of choice for medical facilities generally providing comfort throughout ones ventilation intensive care while keeping direct access towards Oxygen suppliers thereby making it safe and quick during emergency situations where time is life. It’s one of the most cost-effective & easy-to-use devices for O2 administration!

The design complements Medical professionals’ goal in accomplishing patient health with less invasion .
Perhaps in the future instead of plastic we might get those futuristic silicone translucent models!!!

Here’s to hoping!!.

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