Respiratory system is a biological system that involves the process of respiration. It involves the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide from lungs. The problems associated with respiratory system include bronchial asthma, narrowing of respiratory tract and respiratory tract infections, that leads to difficulty in breathing.
There are wide number of respiratory equipments used to provide oxygen supply to the lungs. Respiratory medical equipments include:
- Pocket masks (Resuscitation masks)
- CPAP
- Nebulizers
- Oxygen supplies & regulators
Pocket masks (Resuscitation masks): Pocket mask is a small device which is easy to carry. This is used to deliver rescue breath. It is a transparent mask which is used to administer air to the patient by exhaling the air by responder through one end of the value. This is used to provide breathing in cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest.
CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure is used to open the closed respiratory valves. It is used to supply the oxygen to the patients with respiratory disorders or sleeping apnea continuously. In this a mask is fit over the nose or mouth and is connected to the battery or motor which supplies oxygen to the patient. It is also used in pre-mature babies whose lungs are not fully developed and to treat respiratory distress syndrome.
Nebulizers: Nebulizers are electrical or mechanical devices used to administer medicament to the lungs. It is used to treat asthma and respiratory infections. In this, pressure is created to convert the medicament into mist so that patient inhale the medicament. Nebulizers are used to minimize the side effects of steroids. These are used to treat narrowing of airways and respiratory infections.
Oxygen supplies and regulators: Oxygen supplies are devices that supplies oxygen to the patient who are facing difficulty in breathing. Oxygen regulators are the devices which control the flow of oxygen to the patient. One end of the oxygen regulators is connected to the oxygen supplier and other end to the oxygen mask which regulates the flow of oxygen coming from the motor. These are equipped with internal safety relief valve for safety purpose.