Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)
Some people with severe lung diseases have problems getting sufficient oxygen into the body. If their oxygen levels drop below a certain level, it is relatively easy to give extra oxygen for them to breathe. However, in some conditions, the extra effort of trying to keep the oxygen up in the blood results can be difficult. Also, other conditions can make it difficult to expel carbon dioxide from the blood efficiently. This makes it harder to deal with. It is a particular issue with diseases that cause obstruction to our airways, such as COPD. Because the airways are narrowed it is harder to get oxygen into the lungs and carbon dioxide out.
How does NIV work?
People receiving NIV need to wear a cushioned mask which is connected to an air pump machine. The mask either fits over your nose alone, or over both the nose and mouth; a strap holds the mask firmly in place, but can be easily removed, to enable you to eat and drink for example. A slightly pressurised airflow is blown into the mask while you breathe; the strength of the pressure varies during the breathing cycle. The airflow is strongest when you breathe in, to help you take in as much air as possible. The airflow is lower when you breathe out. This continual pressure helps to ‘splint’ the airways open, enabling more air to get in and out of the lungs. The treatment is known as BIPAP or NIV.
How does it help?
When we breathe in, we take in oxygen out of the air to keep us alive – this oxygen is transferred to our blood in our lungs. The body then uses the oxygen and produces waste gas called carbon dioxide, which we breathe out. The aim of using NIV is to increase your oxygen level and particularly to help you breathe out more carbon dioxide. It also takes some of the effort out of breathing because your chest muscles don’t have to work as hard; so, it helps to ease the feelings of breathlessness.
It is recommended that you use NIV for at least 6 hours a night, although use varies for everyone. For some, the overnight use is adequate, other people may find a benefit from using NV for periods during the day, particularly if sleeping.
NIV Team
Dr Sara Fairbairn Respiratory Consultant
Lyndsey Ward Respiratory Nurse Consultant
Amy Badham Clinical Nurse specialist for Home NIV
Please note: The NIV service supports all patients within the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, and we do not run as an emergency service.
However, should you require advice or support you can telephone us or leave a voicemail on 01633 656355, we will aim to respond to your query within 24 – 48 hours.
If you require medical assistance, please contact your GP or in an emergency call 999. Please ensure the ambulance crew are aware you use NIV, and oxygen if applicable.