One life-threatening complication that can arise from COVID-19 is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, commonly known as ARDS. New research studies suggest that more than 40% of individuals hospitalized for severe and critical COVID-19 develop ARDS—and over 50% of those diagnosed will likely die from the disease.
Patients with ARDS often have severe shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Fast heart rate and rapid breathing also shows up in ARDS patients, along with chest pain, particularly during inhaling.
Patients with ARDS often have severe shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Fast heart rate and rapid breathing also shows up in ARDS patients, along with chest pain, particularly during inhaling.
Similar to many other viruses, coronaviruses such as COVID-19 can infect and damage the lung cells, setting the stage for the occurrence of ARDS. It is thought that the infection-induced damage and inflammation cause a malfunction of the lung vasculature [the pulmonary vessels within the lungs]. When that happens, the exchange of oxygen within the body is impaired. When patients are in the late stages of COVID-19 infection—after severe damage has already been done to their lungs—their body will try to fight off the virus by sending immune cells to the lungs, which is what ultimately causes the inflammatory reaction, leading to the failure of the pulmonary vessels within the lungs.
In most cases, ARDS patients will need to be supported by supplementary oxygen and mechanical ventilation soon after the start of their symptoms. When blood oxygen levels remain low, patients may be flipped on their stomachs—into a Prone Position —to increase oxygenation of the blood. Proning or Prone Ventilation involves turning people over on their stomachs, instead of having them on their back on a ventilator (Supine Position). If this is carried out in a regular cycle, the result is better oxygenation, with incredible outcomes of patient recovery.
In some cases, if inflammation and fluid in the lungs persists, some ARDS patients will develop scarring of the lungs (the fibrotic stage of ARDS). In others, the lung or lungs can eventually pop and deflate, leading to a pneumothorax or a collapsed lung. In those who do recover, lung function gradually improves over six months to a year, but even then, patients are left with significant scarring and lower than normal lung volumes.
To enable effective use of Prone Ventilation, it is vital that the patient is positioned correctly, to allow the abdomen to hang between two pillows/ supports, and provide padding and support for potential pressure areas (face, upper chest, pelvis, knees).
The 92016 nordiska COVID-19 ARDS Positioning Kit provides exactly this vital support for your patients and ICU staff. Single-use for hygiene and elimination of infection, the kit contains all the necessary support cushions to safely and effectively carry out Prone Ventilation.
In some cases, if inflammation and fluid in the lungs persists, some ARDS patients will develop scarring of the lungs (the fibrotic stage of ARDS). In others, the lung or lungs can eventually pop and deflate, leading to a pneumothorax or a collapsed lung. In those who do recover, lung function gradually improves over six months to a year, but even then, patients are left with significant scarring and lower than normal lung volumes.
To enable effective use of Prone Ventilation, it is vital that the patient is positioned correctly, to allow the abdomen to hang between two pillows/ supports, and provide padding and support for potential pressure areas (face, upper chest, pelvis, knees).
The 92016 nordiska COVID-19 ARDS Positioning Kit provides exactly this vital support for your patients and ICU staff. Single-use for hygiene and elimination of infection, the kit contains all the necessary support cushions to safely and effectively carry out Prone Ventilation.
Order now the 92016 nordiska COVID-19 ARDS Positioning Kits for fast delivery throughout Europe, helping to save lives, and provide invaluable support for your staff in ICU!
