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A ventilator is a machine that helps a person breathe or breathes for the person. It controls and monitors the amounts of air and oxygen that flows into the person's lungs. Ventilators may be used for people who have serious breathing conditions. These include conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or severe pneumonia.

Doctors usually attach a ventilator to a tube they have placed into the person's windpipe (trachea) through the mouth or nose. If the person needs the ventilator for a long period of time, the doctor may make an opening directly in the trachea (tracheostomy) and place the tube through this opening.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.