RESPIRATORY THERAPY
The ability to breathe freely is taken for granted by most people. We only become aware of how important healthy respiratory tracts are for us when our breathing is limited. Drive DeVilbiss is one of the leading manufacturers of a wide range of respiratory products, which aim to improve the lives of individuals who are suffering with respiratory problems such as COPD, Asthma or cystic fibrosis. The range includes devices for oxygen therapy, extraction therapy and inhalation therapy. Of course they should be the highest quality, as the ability to breathe freely is everyone’s right.
OXYGEN THERAPY
High levels of oxygen saturation are important, to supply oxygen to all the organs in the human body. Difficulty in breathing or shortage of breath are the consequences of lower oxygen saturation in the blood. This can occur through acute or chronic respiratory diseases. For a healthy individual, oxygen saturation in the blood is 96-99%. This can be easily determined with a finger pulse oximeter, such as the HbO Smart from Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare.
If the oxygen saturation in the blood is reduced, you should consult a doctor to establish the reason for this.
COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
A common cause or reduced oxygen supply is COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD leads to long-term damage of the respiratory tracts in the lungs, which makes them narrow, which makes breathing in and out more difficult. COPD cannot be cured, but there is a range of treatments which help you to live better with the illness and symptoms. The treatment methods available include lung rehabilitation, Bronchodilatators, nebulisers and depending on the stage of the disease, long-term oxygen therapy. However, bronchial asthma, pneumonia or fibrosis of the lungs can be the cause of pulmonary disease and as a consequence, this may be a pivotal factor for oxygen saturation levels that are too low.
OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS
Oxygen concentrators filter oxygen from the air and compress it so that the oxygen that comes from an oxygen concentrator has an oxygen content of approx. 96%. In comparison, typical ambient air contains around 20% oxygen.
Oxygen concentrators can either be portable or stationary.
The appropriate oxygen aid and the oxygen settings should always be discussed with the doctor carrying out treatment.
INHALATION THERAPY / INHALATION DEVICE
With the changes to the global climate and increasing air pollution, morbidity from asthma diseases as well as other respiratory diseases is increasing year on year. Inhalation therapy has been proven over time as one of the best forms of treatment for this widespread illness.
How does inhalation work?
Inhaling is the first method of choice for effective treatment of chronic or acute respiratory diseases. Inhalation with the aid of a compressor nebuliser has been shown to be particularly efficient. Compressed air is generated via a compressor and transferred to a nebuliser via an air hose. The inhalation solution in the nebuliser e.g. a liquid medication, or an isotonic saline solution to humidify the respiratory tracts, will be converted into the smallest particles (aerosols), which are then inhaled by the user through the nose or mouth. The benefits of this form of treatment are obvious: The active ingredient goes directly to the site of the illness where it is able to release its healing and soothing properties.
The size of the aerosol that is generated, known as the particle size, plays a key role in determining where in the body the active ingredient manages to reach. The particle size of the aerosol is generally stated as MMAD (Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter) in µm. Particles between 6µm-12µm primarily reach the throat, the airways and also the large bronchial tubes. Particles between 3µm-6µm primarily reach the intermediate bronchi and the bronchioles. Particles with a diameter up to 3 µm reach the bronchioles and the smallest bronchi as well as the alveoli (air sacs). As a rule of thumb, the smaller the aerosol that is generated, the further into the airways it can penetrate.
What inhalation systems are available?
Whether it’s a compressor nebuliser, ultrasound nebuliser or mesh nebuliser, there is a large range of inhalation systems and depends on the requirements of every single patient. The question of whether the device can be used as a therapy device at home for the whole family, or as an inhalation device in a clinical environment also helps with making an informed decision.
The following requirements may be important regarding inhalation systems:
- Cognitive and motor skills of the patient
- Is the device suitable for young children
- Should the device be used for a prolonged period or just seasonally
- Would the patient like to use the device on the move, or just at home
The choice of suitable therapy device as well as the necessary inhalation solution always takes place after consultation with the doctor who is carrying out treatment. Inhalation devices are also generally commercially available, nevertheless we recommend consulting your doctor if you suffer any signs of such an illness.
Dr. Allen DeVilbiss developed the first nebuliser for administering medication back in 1888. Less than twenty years later, DeVilbiss Healthcare already had a wide range of products for treating respiratory diseases, which have been sold throughout the world ever since. As well as compression nebulisers for home and clinical use, we exclusively provide our customers with ultrasound nebulisers, which are predominantly used in clinics, medical practices and at home.
INHALATION TECHNIQUE AND DURATION
The effectiveness of inhalation therapy depends on the interaction of several factors: The primary factor for success is that the patient plays their part in using the correct inhalation techniques. Inhalation therapy should be carried out regularly in accordance with the specifications of the doctor carrying out treatment.
CLEAN THE INHALER PROPERLY
How do you clean an inhalation device properly?
We have summarised the most important points:
1. Cleaning after every inhalation:
You can clean the individual parts with warm water and a bit of washing up liquid - the important thing here is to rinse thoroughly
2. Disinfecting:
Also, the jet nebuliser, the mouthpiece or nose piece can be thermally disinfected by boiling. Alternatively, disinfection can take place using an immersion bath.
3. Drying:
After cleaning individual components, place them in a location that is free of dust and lint and allow them to fully dry before storage or re-use.
Please follow the operating instructions on the device for exact cleaning instructions.
SUCTION DEVICES / SUCTION THERAPY / SECRETION MANAGEMENT
WHEN INDEPENDENT EXPECTORATION IS NO (LONGER) POSSIBLE
Suction describes the removal of bodily fluids (e.g. saliva, bronchial secretion, blood) or foreign matter via a vacuum with the aid of a suction pump.
There is a range of underlying illnesses which lead to the patient requiring suction therapy. In many cases, these patients are no longer able to expectorate bronchial secretions by themselves. However, to ensure ventilation of the lungs or to remove foreign bodies from the respiratory tracts, the respiratory tracts must be cleaned and kept clear by means of a suction device and suction catheter.
The doctor performing treatment always determines how often treatment is carried out and what suction unit is used. An unwritten law in suction treatment is as follows: As often as necessary, as short as possible. Every suction process is a very stressful situation for the patient. For this reason it is particularly important that there is a high level of understanding between the patient and the person carrying out suction therapy. Suction should only be carried out by trained specialist staff. However, it is possible that trained relatives carry out this work in a home environment.
WHAT SUCTION UNITS ARE AVAILABLE?
Manual, pneumatic and electrical suction units are available depending on the application. Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare is one of the largest providers of electrical suction devices worldwide. The “VacuAide” name has stood for reliable, effective suction of secretions for over 50 years. Whether at home, in care homes and nursing homes or in outpatient care, VacuAide suction devices from Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare are trusted by many different users.
We provide both battery-powered, portable suction units as well as stationary mains-powered suction pumps.
CLEANING THE SUCTION PUMP
It is extremely important to comply with hygiene-related measures during the whole suction process to protect patients, nursing staff and relatives who are also involved in providing care. What needs to be done after suction? Cleaning of the secretion bottle is recommended after suction in all cases. The 800ml standard secretion bottle, which is provided with every Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare VacuAide suction pump, can be hygienically prepared with common household items with only a few steps.
It is important that the hydrophobic filter cartridge, along with the short connection hose, should be removed from the lid before emptying the secretion bottle. The filter cartridge must not get wet under any circumstances, as the independent closing mechanism would activate and the filter cartridge would have to be replaced.
The actual device-specific cleaning instructions can be found in the user manual.
