This is an article by Core Clinical Services. It talks about a machine that helps patients to breathe in through coughing and clearing spectrum from the lungs (Core clinical Services, p.1). It is referred to as “The Bird”. Psychotherapists choose to treat patients with breathing problems using this machine due to drowsiness, fatigue or weakness. Below is a summary of the machine.
“The Bird” is used by patients who have undergone surgery or trauma to the chest and cannot take a deep breath due to pain, patients with collapsed areas of the lungs from excess sputum and weak patients who cannot have effective cough because of sensitive flare up of their breathing issues. Fragile patients with weak muscles get when they breathe (p.2). These low volumes and rate create waste gas in form of carbon dioxide and not oxygen in the body. Coughing to clear sputum becomes difficult since a big cough is need. However using “The Bird” increases the breath in volume and makes it easier to take a large breath in. It improves oxygen and carbon Dioxide levels in the blood. Weak respiratory muscles are supported, clears sputum form the lungs and delivers aerosol medication (p.3).
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This machine delivers a form of intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB). This means that the machine provides a short-term mechanical ventilation of a positive pressure. Mixtures of air and oxygen are pushed into the lungs through a facemask and there is a connection to the tracheotomy or a mouthpiece. To avoid dry effects in the lungs the oxygen and air are humidified. A breath in take results to an air flow into the lungs. At start it may seem uncomfortable; there is need for more practice with the physiotherapist (p.4). The physiotherapist ensures that the patient is in a specific position and has relief from pain. The machine is then moved close to the patient and a demonstration of how the machine works is done. The physiotherapist will place a facemask and ask the patient to breath to allow the machine to fill the lungs. Breathing out should be passive. Monitoring is done for safety, in case of discomfort the patient should discuss with the physiotherapist. This treatment is introduced to the patient when suitable. Sometimes the physiotherapist discusses the use of “The Bird” with the medical team before the treatment. The patient still continues with the normal treatment alongside “The Bird” (p.5).
Conclusion
From the discussion, it is evident that “The Bird” is used by physiotherapist on patients that have problems to breath. These patients may be weak, fatigues or drowsy therefore need this machine to help them in taking a big breath. The machine pushes away spectrum and allows the lungs to ventilate. This is through a form of intermittent positive pressure breathing that provides a positive breathing. This allows a mixture of oxygen in the blood. A breath in flow results into an air flow into the lungs. It may be uncomfortable at start but with practice it gets better.
Reference
Core Clinical Services. (2014). Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) known as “The Bird” The treatment explained. North Bristol Trust Guidelines. Retrieved April 14, 2016 from; www.nhs.uk/aboutnhs/constitution
