Non-Invasive Ventilation

Apria Healthcare provides comprehensive care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients throughout all stages of the disease from mild to moderate, to severe or very severe.

Knowing a patient’s risk factors and proper testing can detect COPD earlier. Oximetry tests can be used to assess daytime saturation in COPD patients and help identify those who may benefit from oxygen therapy.

NIV is an effective therapy in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic respiratory failure resulting from exacerbations of COPD.  Prospective studies have shown that NIV reduces the need for intubation, improves survival, and reduces complications in these patients. When initiated early, NIV can help reduce exacerbation frequency, hospital admission rates, length of stay, and healthcare costs while maintaining or improving quality of life.¹

Injury or disease affecting the parts of the brain which control breathing can interfere with the signal that would normally stimulate breathing. If this signal becomes irregular or absent, mechanical support for breathing such as NIV is necessary.

Damage to the spinal cord can also hinder or stop the signal from reaching the breathing muscles, necessitating mechanical support for breathing.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophy, and head or spinal cord injuries are all examples of severe neuromuscular disorders.

Severe restrictive thoracic disorders are conditions that cause severe pressure or restriction of the lungs, which can affect the muscles of breathing. Thoracic disorders, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, may weaken the breathing muscles or the way muscles receive the signal from the brain, making mechanical support for breathing necessary.