Humidification for oxygen therapy in non-ventilated patients.
Oxygen therapy is a necessary treatment for some patients in hospital; however, as with any treatment there are side effects. These include drying and cooling of the respiratory tract. This can lead to unpleasant side effects discouraging patients from continuing with their treatment. To overcome this there are a variety of humidification devices, both heated and cold, which can help people tolerate their treatment. This article will discuss the AQUAPAK system which humidifies dry oxygen making it more comfortable for the patient to breathe and preventing dehydration of the respiratory system.
Pilkington
Fiona
F
Liver Intensive Care Unit, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000628:therapy