The Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Hospitals
Abstract
A high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a procedure that is used to provide medical gas to patients who cannot breathe on their own. It has been regarded to favor patients with various illnesses. Additionally, the procedure involves the use of an oxygen mixer, an operative humidifier, a single warmed up pipe, and a nasal tube. Notably, the operation is open and easy and does not require a nasal mask to work. Also, the procedure is continuous, as there are no cases of halting the process to adjust the mask by the patients. During the procedure, the gas has to be humid to prevent damage to the respiratory system. However, it is not clear whether HFNC inflates the lung volume due to expansion of pharyngeal pressure. Even though pharmacists have considered this procedure as favorable in most sicknesses, they are yet to provide clear criteria of how HFNC should be administered, and give contraindications of using it.
The Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Hospitals
It is worth noting that High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been regarded as a good substitute for respiratory support for critical patients. Such patients who have benefited from HFNC include those with underlying sicknesses such as sleep apnea and respiratory failure. Notably, it can be dispensed through an oxygen mixer, a warmed up humidifier, and a nasal tube.
An essential aspect of this process is the humidification of the gas to prevent acute damage and inflammation of the respiratory system. Notably, since HFNC is an open method with continuous flow, it can deliver a steady amount of moisture (Nishimura, 2016). Additionally, oronasal masks and nasal masks are not necessary during the procedure; hence patient discomfort is reduced. However, it is not clear whether HFNC inflates the lung volume due to expansion of pharyngeal pressure.
Besides, HFNC is suitable for patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure. It allows for a smooth procedure without nasal mask destructions. Similarly, the use of HFNC in patients in the ICU has resulted in decreased heart rate, dyspnea score, and breathing rate. The outcome has led to improved thoracoabdominal simultaneousness.
According to Miguel-Montanes et al. (2015), HFNC was at 100% during the esophageal intubation of ICU patients who underwent oxygen procedure. Furthermore, patients suffering from hypoxemia and dyspnea were treated with HFNC, while those with acute heart failure also benefited from its support. It should be noted that, however, even though this procedure is working in most illnesses, physicians need to give acceptable criteria for the application of HFNC and provide the contraindications of using the process. Notably, HFNC should be used as an alternative where the NIV procedure is not viable.
In summary, the article has provided an important picture of respiratory practice. It is through it that the viable information on HFNC and NIV procedures. The high flow nasal cannula therapy application is an important procedure for patients that have had failed respiratory cases. The learning of presenting medical gas to the patients in need, thereby has been one of the most exceptional knowledge in pursuit of excellence in respiratory practice. The whole method is essential in eliminating most of the anatomic dead spaces and significantly having a reduction in breathing work.
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References
Miguel-Montanes, R., Hajage, D., Messika, J., Bertrand, F., Gaudry, S., Rafat, C., &Dreyfuss, D. (2015).Use of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy to prevent desaturation during tracheal intubation of intensive care patients with mild-to-moderate hypoxemia. Critical Care Medicine, 43(3), 574-583.
Nishimura, M. (2016). High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in adults: Physiological benefits, indications, clinical benefits, and adverse effects. Respiratory Care, 61(4) 529-541. DOI: htttps://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.04577.