Respiratory Therapy Support for Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a condition that results when the heart’s function as a pump is insufficient to meet the requirements of the body. Various diseases that weaken the heart muscle or overwork the heart may cause congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure symptoms can include diminished capacity to exercise, fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling. Respiratory therapy support is available for congestive heart failure patients.

Oxygen Therapy for Congestive Heart Failure Patients

A certified respiratory therapist will place a patient on oxygen to assure adequate oxygenation to the heart and tissue. The oxygen supplied by a certified respiratory therapist will lengthen the lifespan of most congestive heart failure patients and make it easier for the patient to breathe. Oxygen enables the organs to keep performing needed functions for the body to survive.

It can also supply the kidneys with oxygen-rich blood to halt, or at least slow down, renal failure. Without oxygen, the kidneys are unable to excrete salt and water and cause the body to retain even more fluid. A lack of oxygen supply can cause the liver to fail at removing toxins and absorbing vital nutrients.

Methods for Applying Oxygen

Hospitalization monitoring with oxygen treatment can often assist the heart to pump better and relieve symptoms. Sometimes congestive heart failure patients require oxygen supplementation on a long-term basis. A BIPAP machine may be utilized with a mask to place over the patient’s face to assist with breathing. The benefits of a BIPAP machine include removing the fluid from lungs and easing breathing.

Severe symptoms may require a non-rebreather mask to supply 100 percent oxygen until symptoms improve. In the later stages of congestive heart failure, a ventilator may be needed. A breathing tube is inserted into the lungs and a ventilator performs the breathing mechanically.