NIV stands for Non-Invasive Ventilation. It is a way of supporting your breathing by using a bedside machine and tight fitting mask that sits over your nose and mouth. By supporting your breathing, it also improves the effectiveness of your lungs and allows your body to rest. BIPAP is a form of Non-invasive Ventilation.
Why do I need it?
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) is used when your breathing has become increasingly difficult to the point that your lungs are no longer carrying out their job effectively. This then leads to a build-up of carbon dioxide and a lack of oxygen in your blood and this can cause your blood to become acidic.
This can often happen to those who have an existing lung condition such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) but it can also affect those who are overweight or have weakened breathing muscles.
If left untreated the build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood can be very dangerous but BIPAP is one of the treatments that can correct those levels.
Symptoms you may feel or experience prior to needing BIPAP can include worsening breathlessness, tightness in your chest, inability to concentrate or a sense of confusion and increase drowsiness.
What is involved/ how does it work?
To determine if BIPAP is appropriate, a blood test from the artery in your wrist will be taken, this is known as an Arterial Blood Gas (ABG). These tell us the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood therefore it is likely that you may have more than one of these as part of your treatment. They also tell us how well BIPAP is working for you and if any changes are needed.
BIPAP involves wearing a tight fitting mask connected to a machine and oxygen if required. The machine forces air into your lungs to enable the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood. The mask is designed to “bounce” on your face but still needs to be tight as to prevent any leaks.
BIPAP can take several days to work but as your condition improves, you will need less ABG tests and you will be able to spend more time off the mask. Every patient is different and so your doctor will discuss with you and your relatives how long you are likely going to need BIPAP.
Whilst you are on BIPAP, the nursing staff will keep a close eye on you and monitor your condition closely. This may mean wearing a probe on your finger so that your oxygen levels can be closely monitored. For the first 24hrs it is recommended that you wear the mask as much as possible with short breaks for food, drink and medications.
A member of the physio team may also see you during your stay as they can provide advice on breathing techniques, help you to clear your chest and assess your mobility if required.
Side effects of BIPAP
As with any medical treatment, there can be side effects from receiving BIPAP.
The most common side effect is a sore nose/face if this happens a little dressing can be applied to protect the skin.
It can also cause a dry mouth so it is important that you drink plenty when off the machine or IV fluids can be prescribed if necessary.
Patients can also feel claustrophobic whilst wearing the mask- this is normal and all we ask is that you give the mask a try!
Ongoing care/ discharge planning
As your condition improves and your blood results normalise your medical team will start to plan your discharge. As part of this process, they may discuss with you if you were to need BIPAP again would you want it and if home oxygen is something that is appropriate for you.
Your medical team may also discuss if having BIPAP at home would benefit you in which case a referral to the Home Ventilation Team at Newcastle maybe needed.
Support and additional information
For extra information you can go to the British Lung Foundation website www.blf.og.uk or contact your local respiratory or COPD nurses
Confidentiality
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For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302