How Do You Spell NEGATIVE PRESSURE VENTILATOR?

1. A negative pressure ventilator, also known as an iron lung, is a medical device used for individuals who are unable to breathe on their own due to paralysis or respiratory muscle weakness. It is specifically designed to support or replace the natural process of breathing by exerting negative pressure on the chest and diaphragm.

   The negative pressure ventilator works by enclosing the patient's body, typically up to the neck, inside a sealed chamber. The chamber consists of a rigid shell and a soft airtight collar or seal around the neck. The device creates a vacuum within the chamber, causing it to expand and contract. This expansion and contraction replicate the normal breathing movement of the chest and diaphragm.

   The negative pressure ventilator operates on the principle of negative pressure ventilation, where air is drawn into the lungs when the chest expands and expelled when the chest contracts. This process not only assists in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide but also helps maintain lung compliance and prevent atelectasis (lung collapse).

   Negative pressure ventilators are commonly used in cases of polio, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, and other neuromuscular disorders that affect respiratory function. They can provide long-term ventilation support or be used temporarily during acute illnesses. Though significantly less common today due to advancements in mechanical ventilators, negative pressure ventilators remain an important option for individuals with specific respiratory needs.

Common Misspellings for NEGATIVE PRESSURE VENTILATOR