Will being on a ventilator for extended periods of time do damage to your lungs?

Answer by  kungfukid (1241)

Yes it can. Oxygen being forced into the lungs can do damage to lung tissue over a period of time. As the lung tissue is weakened air begins to pass through the lung lining increasing the chance of a lung collapse.

Answer by  tab65 (456)

Being on a ventilator for extended periods of time will not cause long term lung damage. I have had several family members that have been placed on ventilators and it has drastically helped thier breathing in the long run. I would recommend the use of ventilators to anyone needing help breathing.

Answer by  rnovikoffgmailcom (1722)

being on a ventilator for an extended period of time will not damage your lungs. The idea behind a ventilator is to keep the patient breathing while they are in surgery/coma/etc. The body will remain breathing how it would be as if the patient were conscious and awake normally, no damage.

Answer by  G12345 (1808)

Yes, being on a ventilator is very hard on your lungs and the trachea. ICU does there best to minimize this by using low pressure ventilator setting, but barotrauma nd oxygen toxicity do occur. Also prolong intubation causes edema and strticture of the trachea.

Answer by  G12345 (1808)

Being on a ventilator has many consequences. It can cause swelling and narrowing of the trachea, whcih is why they often do a tracheostomy. Also the doctor have to make sure to use low pressure, or often the lungs become distended and are subjected to barotraumo.

Answer by  Jessie124 (1885)

There is a risk that there will be damage, but the risks are much less now than they were a mere ten years ago. Ask lots of questions of the nurses when you visit your brother. Be aware that the doctors and nurses know about potential damages that can be caused by ventilators, and monitor the patient accordingly.