What role does the ventilator play in the treatment of pneumonia?

The ventilator uses “positive pressure” to blow air into the lungs through a tube inserted into the patient’s nose or mouth and moved down into the airway. Longer-term ventilation can involve the tube being introduced through the windpipe. Patients generally exhale on their own, but sometimes the ventilator helps with that as well. What they do in essence, is provide life support -and buy time for patients.

    The ventilator also has a humidifier, which adds heat and moisture to the air supply so it matches the patient’s body temperature. Patients are given medication to relax the respiratory muscles so their breathing can be fully regulated by the machine.