These days, respiratory problems have become quite common. They prevent people from living a regular life and badly impact their health and well-being. For patients who are suffering from other health conditions as well, respiratory issues can increase complications. So, it is very crucial to treat any breathing issues as soon as possible. For this, you can choose to rely upon either invasive or non-invasive ventilation. We will discuss them and their differences in our next section. Here you go!

What is invasive and non-invasive ventilation?

For treating respiratory problems like COPD, Invasive and non-invasive ventilationare a popular choice. Here is what they mean-

Non-invasive ventilation- 

In this type of ventilation, breathing support is offered using a face mask, helmet, or nasal mask. The air, usually rich in oxygenated content, is provided under positive pressure. In most machines, the pressure can be altered depending upon whether you are breathing in or out.

Invasive ventilation-

Invasive ventilation refers to the treatment where a tube is physically inserted into your throat. It makes it easier for the patient to breathe by taking over respiratory functions. Since this process invades your airway, so, the patients are usually sedated during this treatment.

What is the difference between the two?

• The non-invasive treatment uses positive pressure to push every breath and offers assistance in expelling carbon dioxide from the body. On the other hand, the invasive treatment employs tracheal intubation that involves inserting a tube into your throat.

• While invasive treatment is a little uncomfortable, the non-invasive treatment that involves getting used to a mask is less annoying.

• Although invasive treatment is mostly safe, it can cause some complications leading to further deterioration of health. As opposed to this, the non-invasive treatment is safer. 

• Lastly, the invasive treatment usually needs 1:1 staffing, which is not the case with non-invasive ventilation.

Which is more popular?

Although invasive treatment has been used for centuries to treat respiratory problems, non-invasive ventilation is becoming a more favoured choice with its growing technical aspects. As a result, it has become an essential tool to treat respiratory issues and is quite effective.

Why is NIV favoured? What are its benefits?

The reason why NIV is becoming a well-liked choice of both patients and doctors is because of the numerous benefits that it offers. Its pros are as follows:

• It is cost-efficient

• Using it doesn’t cost much time

• It is very comfortable

• It does not require sedation

• It doesn’t require intubation skills

So, these are some reasons why NIV is a popular and befitting choice for treating respiratory problems.