Suctioning is an effective measure to clear airway secretions and maintain airway patency. For patients who need suctioning, even a single accumulation of sputum can be life-threatening. Therefore, healthcare professionals need to master the suctioning technique. Generally, the main airway suctioning ways are pen suctioning and closed suctioning. So, which method is better? Let's explore.   What Are Open Suctioning and Closed Suctioning?   Open suctioning involves disconnecting the patient's artificial airway (such as an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy) from the ventilator during the suctioning process. A suction catheter is then inserted into the airway to remove secretions. Typically, healthcare professionals use a single-use suction catheter and discard it after each procedure.  Closed suctioning, on the other hand, is performed using a sealed suctioning system connected to the ventilator. This method allows suctioning without disconnecting the ventilator. This catheter operates within a closed system, ensuring continuous mechanical ventilation for the patient.   Advantages of Closed Suctioning   1. Reduces the Risk of Atelectasis and Hypoxia   Closed suctioning allows for uninterrupted mechanical ventilation, preventing the loss of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) that occurs during open suctioning. This design helps minimize alveolar collapse, maintain lung volume, and reduce the incidence of hypoxemia and atelectasis during the procedure. Closed suctioning is especially beneficial for patients with high oxygen demands or PEEP ≥ 10 cmH2O.   2. Lowers Infection Risk   The closed environment of the suctioning system minimizes direct contact between healthcare personnel and patient secretions. For patients with respiratory infections (such as tuberculosis) or multidrug-resistant organisms, closed suctioning significantly reduces the risk of cross-infection, ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare workers.   3. Reduces Arrhythmias and Other Adverse Reactions   Open suctioning, which involves disconnecting the ventilator, often causes increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, or suction-related arrhythmias in patients. Closed suctioning, by maintaining continuous ventilation and oxygenation, greatly reduces the likelihood of these adverse reactions.   4. Faster Operation and Enhanced Nursing Efficiency   Closed suctioning eliminates the need to replace the suction catheter for each use, and the process is relatively simple and quick. This makes it particularly suitable for patients requiring frequent suctioning (e.g., more than six times per day). Moreover, there is no need to adjust ventilator settings during the procedure, resulting in more efficient operations.   5. Cost-Effective in the Long Term   Although the initial cost of a closed suctioning system is higher, its reusable design can reduce overall material costs over time. For patients requiring frequent suctioning, closed suctioning proves to be more economical.   6. Protects Healthcare Workers   Patients may cough during suctioning due to airway irritation, potentially releasing pathogens into the air. The sealed design of closed suctioning effectively minimizes aerosol dispersion, reducing the risk of occupational exposure and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers.   Advantages of Open Suctioning    PVC Soft Suction Catheter 1. Lower Initial Cost   Open suctioning primarily uses disposable suction catheters, making it a simpler and more affordable option in terms of initial costs. For patients requiring short-term mechanical ventilation, open suctioning can be more cost-effective.   2. Suitable for Specific Operational Needs   Open suctioning is more flexible when it comes to clearing large amounts of secretions, particularly when the secretions are thick and prone to clogging the suction catheter. This method allows for thorough cleaning of the airway.   Closed Suctioning Precautions  1. Preventing Tracheal Injury   Closed suction catheters are relatively rigid, and improper handling can cause tracheal bleeding. So it would be best to be careful when suctioning to avoid damaging the tracheal mucosa.   2. Regular Catheter Replacement   Although reusable, closed suction catheters should be replaced when contaminated or after seven days of use to prevent bacterial growth.   3. Clearing Secretion Buildup   After suctioning, clear secretions from the patient's mouth, the tracheostomy tube, or the cuff above the endotracheal tube to minimize the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).   4. Avoiding Catheter Blockage   Flush the suction catheter promptly after use to prevent clogging from mucus buildup.   Open Suctioning Precautions   1. Strict Aseptic Technique   The open suction method involves disconnecting the ventilator, which increases the infection risk. Please adhere to strict aseptic principles during the procedure.  2. Minimizing Ventilator Disconnection Time   Suctioning should be performed quickly to reduce the risk of oxygen desaturation caused by ventilator disconnection.   Which is Better?  Both suctioning ways have their pros and cons. The closed suctioning is ideal for patients requiring high oxygen levels, frequent suctioning, or those with infectious diseases. And open suctioning is simpler and more cost-effective, and it suits patients with short-term mechanical ventilation or specific needs.  If you're looking for quality and medical-grade suction products, Bever Medical offers OEM services with options for PVC or silicone materials, ensuring versatile solutions for diverse needs. Contact us now to learn more about our products!  

Suction catheters help healthcare professionals clear excess secretions or fluid from a patient's airway. Additionally, it helps keep the airway open and makes it easier for the patient to breathe. Suction catheters have different materials, so it's important to choose the right one to ensure patient safety and comfort. In this article, we'll share the guide on how to choose the material for your suction catheter and tips for proper care and maintenance. Impact of Suction Catheter Material Selection on Patients Biocompatibility When medical products come into use in humans, the materials must be non-toxic and non-harmful to human tissues to avoid allergic reactions or irritation. Therefore, suction catheters are always made from medical-grade PVC or silicone. Silicone is widely used for patients who require higher comfort due to its flexibility and high-temperature resistance. Flexibility and Hardness Suction catheters need to keep flexibility during insertion into the airway to adapt to the patient's curved airway structure. Also, the hardness can prevent the catheter walls from collapsing and affecting suction effectiveness. For example, PVC products provide good support, while silicone, due to its softness, is suitable for patients who need to minimize airway irritation. Transparency Transparent catheters help medical personnel to clearly observe the flow of secretions during suction, so can know the patient's condition easily.  Size and Diameter Choosing the correct size of the suction catheter based on the patient's age and airway size ensures effective secretion removal without causing excessive irritation. For newborns and infants, smaller-diameter suction catheters are typically used. Anti-Kinking Design Some suction catheters feature anti-kinking designs that prevent the catheter from tangling or becoming blocked during use, ensuring smooth suction operation. Sterility The sterility of suction catheters is critical. Most suction catheters are designed for single use, ensuring a sterile environment for each procedure to reduce the risk of infection. Common Suction Catheter Materials and Their Characteristics Medical PVC: Cost-effective, with moderate hardness and high transparency. However, its flexibility is not as good as silicone, and it may cause allergies. Silicone: Soft, biocompatible, and capable of being sterilized at high temperatures. However, it is more expensive. Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU): High strength, wear-resistant, and highly flexible, but less commonly used for highly sensitive patients. Polyethylene (PE): Highly flexible and chemically resistant, but opaque and thus less commonly used. Suction Catheter With Thumb Control Valve How to Choose Suction Catheter Material Silicone It has superior softness and biocompatibility, which can minimize irritation and allergic reactions. So, it is suitable for patients with high sensitivity. Also, it fits emergency and intensive care settings due to its excellent safety and sterilization performance. PVC A cost-effective option for general patients and home care, suitable for single-use. However, be cautious of potential plasticizer allergies. Transparent PVC is helpful for observing secretions inside the catheter. Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Ideal for scenarios requiring high strength or wear resistance. TPU or polyethylene (PE) performs better in special environments such as chemical labs or high-wear settings. Important: When choosing a suction catheter, it is wise to consult healthcare professionals. Prioritize certified medical-grade materials to ensure safety. How to Properly Maintain and Care for Suction Catheters Although most suction catheters are single-use products, mastering the tips of maintenance and usage precautions can help improve safety during use. Storing it in a clean, dry, and light-protected environment can avoid material degradation or contamination. Before using a suction catheter, ensure hands are thoroughly cleaned and sterile gloves are worn. Once the catheter packaging is opened, it should be used immediately, avoiding contact with non-sterile surfaces. Most suction catheters are for single use only. Reusing them can increase the risk of infection. If reuse is necessary, please follow strict sterilization procedures to ensure sterility. Before each use, check that the catheter is free of blockages to prevent issues during suction. Timely Replacement: If the catheter shows signs of damage, deformation, or any other abnormalities, stop using it immediately and replace it. Conclusion It can ensure patient safety and comfort when using suction catheters, and material plays a great role. When it comes to choosing the material of the suction catheter, the doctor can provide a good choice according to the patient and the specific requirements of the medical scenario.  As an experienced supplier of suction catheters, Bever Medical is committed to providing high-quality medical catheter products for hospital, home care, etc. With medical-grade PVC and silicone materials, our products meet international standards and ensure the catheters' excellent performance in safety and comfort. 

Airway management products play a vital role in providing patient care across various settings. For example, suction catheters for adults and children differ in design and application, while closed and open suction systems cater to distinct medical scenarios. It is important to choose the right type of suction catheter, as it enhances treatment efficacy and ensures patient safety. This article shares the types of suction catheters, If you're unsure about which catheter to use in specific situations, this article will help a lot. 72-Hour Closed Suction Catheter for Adults (Y-Type / T-Type / L-Type) T-Type Closed Suction Catheter Features a main channel and a side channel intersecting at an angle. The main channel is used for suctioning, while the side channel typically connects to other airway management products such as ventilators. Y-Type Closed Suction Catheter This type of suction catheter consists of a main channel branching into two. These branches can serve different purposes, such as one for suctioning and the other for ventilation. L-Type Closed Suction Catheter Includes a main channel and a side channel forming a right angle. The main channel is used for suctioning, while the side channel connects to auxiliary equipment. Closed suction catheters allow for suctioning while maintaining mechanical ventilation for patients. Features such as a push-button switch and luer cap isolate the irrigation chamber from the ventilation channel, ensuring airway ventilation during catheter cleaning and preventing backflow. The PU protective sleeve provides complete sealing, preventing secretions from being exposed to air, thereby protecting healthcare workers from infections. The soft and smooth blue catheter tip minimizes damage to the patient's airway mucosa. Additionally, the dual-rotating connector ensures excellent airtightness and allows adjustment of the breathing circuit as needed. The catheter is equipped with a separator for quick disconnection between the endotracheal tube and the suction catheter, simplifying operations. Options include tracheostomy and endotracheal models.  24-Hour Closed Suction Catheter for Adults (Y-Type / T-Type / L-Type) T-Type Closed Suction Catheter Features a main and side channel for suctioning and connecting to other airway devices, respectively. Y-Type Closed Suction Catheter Includes a main channel splitting into two branches for different uses, such as suctioning and ventilation. L-Type Closed Suction Catheter Has a main and a side channel forming a right angle for suctioning and connecting to additional devices. The catheter’s PU protective sleeve ensures complete sealing, preventing exposure to secretions and protecting caregivers from infections. Its soft blue tip minimizes mucosal damage. Dual-rotating connectors provide airtightness and enable adjustment of the respiratory circuit. Colored day-of-the-week labels are more common on closed suction tubes used for 24 hours and 72 hours. They can mark the use cycle of the catheter to ensure timely replacement and reduce the risk of infection. This simplifies operation and ensures safety. 24-Hour Closed Suction Catheter for Children Designed for neonates and pediatric care, these catheters are available in sizes 5Fr, 6Fr, 7Fr, and 8Fr. Each catheter comes with three differently sized Y-connectors for compatibility with various endotracheal tubes. Key features include a PU protective sleeve for sealing, a soft blue tip to minimize mucosal injury, and numerical depth markings corresponding to those on the endotracheal tube. A one-way valve irrigation port prevents backflow and aerosolized secretions. Colored day-of-the-week labels facilitate easy recognition of usage time. 72-Hour Closed Suction Catheter for Children This catheter allows for suctioning while maintaining mechanical ventilation. Features such as a push-button switch and luer cap prevent backflow and maintain ventilation during cleaning, reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Available in sizes ranging from 2.5 to 6.5 to fit various pediatric endotracheal tubes, the catheter has a PU protective sleeve to prevent secretion exposure and minimize infection risk. The soft blue tip reduces damage to the airway mucosa. Simplified Closed Suction Catheter This catheter maintains mechanical ventilation while suctioning. Its soft blue tip minimizes mucosal injury, while the PU protective sleeve prevents secretion exposure. The quick-disconnect separator enables easy detachment, and numbered depth markings allow precise insertion monitoring. Colored labels help track catheter usage time. Oral Suction Catheter Designed for oral secretion suctioning and hygiene, this catheter is ideal for bedridden, unconscious, anemic, or mechanically ventilated patients. It effectively clears the oral cavity and airway, reducing the risk of lung infections and VAP. Its soft-tip design protects oral mucosa during use. Clearing respiratory secretions ensures airway patency, especially for patients with impaired coughing ability or artificial airways. This essential operation is a critical skill for healthcare providers. Conclusion Choosing the right airway management product is crucial for patient safety and comfort. Each type of suction catheter is tailored to specific clinical scenarios and patient needs. Whether for adults or children, closed suction catheters ensure effective suctioning while maintaining mechanical ventilation, reducing infection risks, and protecting caregivers. If you are looking for reliable, medical-grade airway management products, Bever Medical is your trusted partner. We also offer OEM services to meet your specific needs. For guidance on usage or any issues, please feel free to contact us.

Clearing respiratory secretions is a way to relieve patients' breathing difficulties and help maintain clear airways. The flexible suction catheter is one of the most commonly used tools in secretions clearing. Importantly, it has wide use and is more comfortable. In this article, Bever Medical will share a complete overview of flexible suction catheters with you,  like their wide usage, and use tips, a guide on selection, etc.  What is a Flexible Suction Catheter? A flexible suction catheter is made from soft, smooth medical-grade materials with high flexibility to minimize airway irritation during suctioning. It is also named a soft suction catheter. For patients who find traditional rigid catheters uncomfortable, a flexible suction catheter is a more comfortable alternative when inserted into the airway. It is ideal for use in critical care, respiratory medicine, and geriatric departments, helping patients maintain clear airways, prevent infections, and improve comfort. Advantages Reduced Patient Discomfort Traditional catheters are often rigid and may cause patients, especially those with heightened sensitivity, to experience coughing or gagging. Soft suction catheters are softer and smoother, which reduces irritation. Enhanced Safety    These catheters have excellent kink resistance, which effectively prevents suction interruptions caused by twisting. Additionally, the soft material helps lower the risk of airway damage. Wide Use of Flexible Suction Catheters 1. Intensive Care Units (ICU)   ICU patients often require prolonged bed rest and continuous airway management. Nurses use suction catheters to quickly and safely clear the airway, reducing the risk of respiratory infections. And soft suction catheters reduce patient irritation and allow rapid airway clearance in emergencies. 2. Respiratory Medicine  For respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, flexible suction catheters efficiently clear airway secretions, helping patients breathe more easily and reducing the risk of complications during hospitalization. 3. Elder Care   Elderly patients often have delicate airways, making traditional rigid catheters uncomfortable or damaging. Flexible suction catheters offer a gentler suctioning method that improves their comfort and safety. Steps for Using a Flexible Suction Catheter 1. Ensure all equipment is clean and wear disposable gloves to maintain a sterile environment. 2. Open the catheter package and inspect it for any damage or defects. 3. Gently insert the catheter into the patient's airway with smooth and steady motions, avoiding forceful insertion. 4. Adjust the catheter position according to the patient's needs, clearing the airway secretions gently. 5. After completing suctioning, slowly remove the catheter from the patient's airway. Precautions Avoid inserting the catheter too deeply to prevent airway damage. Limit the suctioning time to avoid excessive oxygen depletion. If the patient experiences severe coughing, gagging, or discomfort, stop the procedure and monitor their condition. Clean the catheter after each use to ensure hygiene and safety for subsequent uses. How to Choose the Right Flexible Suction Catheter? 1. Medical-grade Material: High-quality flexible suction catheters are made from medical-grade materials. Bever Medical offers catheters made from safe materials, ensuring both effectiveness and patient safety. 2. Correct Size: The catheter size should match the patient’s airway width, age, and medical condition to allow effective suction without being too large or small. Consult a healthcare provider if selecting one independently. 3. Flexibility: The catheter should be adequately flexible to navigate the airway smoothly without risk of breakage or kinking. 4. Additional Features: Some catheters come with anti-kink designs, visible measurement markers, or other features to assist healthcare staff in proper usage. These features can also be considered when choosing a catheter. Cleaning and Maintenance of a Flexible Suction Catheter 1. Please clean the catheter with warm water after each use. Then use a disinfectant to eliminate any remaining bacteria or viruses, preventing infection risks for future use. 2. Follow the recommendations on catheter replacement intervals. If use a catheter many times, you should throw it to avoid material degradation or bacterial buildup.  3. Store it in a dry, cool, and shaded place, as direct sunlight and moisture can damage it. Conclusion With their superior flexibility and patient comfort, soft suction catheters have been essential tools in airway management, especially in ICU, respiratory medicine, and elder care, etc. Except for effectively clearing airway secretions, it can greatly enhance patient comfort and safety. As one of the leading manufacturers of medical catheters, Bever Medical provides quality and safe flexible suction catheters, so they have the features of durability and flexibility. Any interests, welcome to contact us.

Suctioning helps patients clear airway secretions effectively and prevents them from breathing problems. And the correct suction catheter size is a key factor in effective suctioning. Because the wrong size can lead to tracheal damage, mucosal injury, or even blockage of the tracheal tube, deprivation. However, mastering the tips for choosing the right suction catheter can minimize risks and improve treatment outcomes. In this article, you can get the complete guide, let's get started. What is a Suction Catheter? The suction catheter is widely used in hospitals, clinics, and even home care settings. It consists of three parts, the catheter, suction control device, and connector. It aims to remove secretions, blood, or other fluids from a patient's airway or respiratory tract. The catheter connects to a suction source through its connector and is used to suction out mucus and secretions from the tracheal tube. It's a long, soft tube usually made of plastic or rubber. One end is connected to suction equipment like a vacuum pump, and the other end is inserted into the patient's mouth, nose, or tracheal tube to clear the airway. Important: Suction catheters are single-use, sterile products and should never be reused. Why is Proper Suction Catheter Important? Using the wrong size suction catheter can lead to several problems. For example, a small catheter may not remove airway secretions effectively. And may leave behind secretions, increasing the risk of airway blockage and infection, finally worsening the patient's breathing. On the other hand, a too one can take up too much airway space during suctioning, reducing airflow and causing oxygen deprivation. It may also cause more friction against the airway walls, increasing the risk of mucosal injury or bleeding. So, choosing the proper catheter ensures effective airway clearance while minimizing the risk of complications. How to Choose a Proper Suction Catheter for Patients? Calculating the catheter size is a crucial step in choosing the right suction catheter for the patient. It begins with knowing the tracheal tube size. Here are three common formulas to help you calculate the appropriate suction catheter size: Catheter Size Calculation Formula 1: Tracheal tube internal diameter (ID) × 3 ÷ 2, then select the next largest French size (Fr). Example: If the tracheal tube ID is 8 mm, the calculation is 8 × 3 ÷ 2 = 12. So, choose the next largest size, which is a 14Fr suction catheter. Formula 2: Tracheal tube internal diameter (ID) × 2, then select the next smaller French size (Fr). Example: If the tracheal tube ID is 8 mm, the calculation is 8 × 2 = 16. So, choose the next smaller size, which is a 14Fr suction catheter. Formula 3: Tracheal tube internal diameter (ID) × 2 - 2. Example: If the tracheal tube ID is 8 mm, the calculation is 8 × 2 - 2 = 14. So, use a 14Fr suction catheter. You can use any of these formulas to help determine the correct size for your patient’s tracheal tube. Material Some patients may have sensitivities or allergies to certain materials. The catheter should be made of a non-toxic, patient-friendly material. It should also be soft enough to reduce mucosal damage and allow for easy maneuvering. Catheters with Side Holes vs. Without Side Holes Suction catheters with side holes are generally more effective because they are less likely to get blocked by secretions. Larger side holes are typically more efficient. Patient Age and Gender Infants: Use a 5Fr - 8Fr Children: Use a 6Fr - 10Fr Adults: Use a 12Fr - 16Fr Catheter Length Suction catheters typically range from 30 to 50 cm in length. Must choose the right length according to the patient's airway size, it can ensure clear necessary area. Conclusion Selecting the right suction catheter ensures patient safety and effective airway clearance. Through proper size calculation formulas, considering the catheter material, and the patient's age and sex, your patients can get good care while reducing the risk of airway blockage, oxygen deprivation, or mucosal damage. Finally, remember to always prioritize the patient's comfort and safety, and make sure to use high-quality single-use catheters. If you're looking for quality and safe catheter products, you can find them at Bever at competitive prices.

The reason why patients are in need of respiratory care is because they are not able to breathe properly and efficiently on their own, resulting in harmful conditions of inadequate oxygenation. People are interested in knowing about respiratory care, especially the fundamentals of respiratory care.  In this article, we discuss the aspects of respiratory care fundamentals such as anatomy of respiratory system, needs assessment, respiratory care provided, etc.    Anatomy and Physiology of Respiratory System In this part, we will understand the anatomy of respiratory system which includes the upper and lower respiratory tracts.  Upper respiratory tract The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, nasal cavity, mouth, pharynx, and larynx. They play an important role because these are the parts which filter, warm, and humidify the air we breathe. Lower respiratory tract The lower respiratory tract has such parts as the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The trachea divides into the right and left bronchi, which further branch into bronchioles and end in alveoli. The alveoli are the primary sites for gas exchange, where oxygen enters the blood, and carbon dioxide is expelled. Mechanics of breathing Breathing involves the coordinated action of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, creating negative pressure in the thoracic cavity, drawing air into the lungs. Exhalation is typically passive, with the diaphragm relaxing and air being pushed out of the lungs.  Anatomy of respiratory system Respiratory Assessment to Find out Causes To find out what is the reason behind your respiratory issues, the doctor has tools available such as asking you about your symptoms and occupational risks, performing medical examinations, and doing diagnostic tests.  Assessment questions After receiving patients with respiratory problems, the healthcare provider will try to find out the causes of the problem. Based on the causes they can provide effective care to improve patient health. They will ask you about respiratory symptoms, smoking history, occupational exposures, and past medical conditions in order to identify the causes.  Physical examination   The examination techniques used by the doctor are the following:  1) Observing the patient's respiratory rate, effort, and symmetry 2) Palpation assesses for tenderness, masses, or subcutaneous emphysema 3) Percussion can determine lung density 4) Auscultation with a stethoscope detects abnormal breath sounds, such as wheezes or crackles. Diagnostic tests A. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): These tests measure lung volumes, capacities, and flow rates, providing valuable information about the functional status of the lungs. B. Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs): ABGs assess oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base balance by measuring the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and bicarbonate in the blood. C. Imaging: Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRI provide detailed images of the lung structures, helping to identify abnormalities such as tumors, infections, or fluid accumulation. Provision of Healthcare to Patients with Respiratory Issues To promote our understanding of the fundamentals of respiratory care, the following presents descriptions of healthcare interventions intended to improve patient respiratory health and well-being. Oxygen Therapy Oxygen therapy improves oxygenation in patients who has hypoxemia or experiences respiratory distress. In particular, oxygen therapy is provided by your healthcare provider in cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and heart failure. During surgical procedures this therapy is also necessary.  The devices in this therapy are: A. Nasal Cannula delivers low to moderate concentrations of oxygen. B. Simple Mask provides higher concentrations of oxygen than a nasal cannula. C. Non-rebreather Mask delivers high concentrations of oxygen, typically used in severe hypoxemia. D. Venturi Mask allows precise control of oxygen concentrations, suitable for patients requiring specific oxygen levels. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) is monitored using pulse oximetry, a non-invasive method that provides continuous real-time data about the patient’s oxygenation status. A patient being aided with oxygen therapy Mechanical ventilation In cases of severe respiratory failure, apnea, severe hypoxemia, and inadequate spontaneous ventilation, the healthcare provider will provide the patient with mechanical ventilation which supports patients with respiratory failure by ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Modes of ventilation A. Volume-Controlled Ventilation delivers a set volume of air with each breath. B. Pressure-Controlled Ventilation delivers air until a set pressure is reached. C. Assist-Control Ventilation provides full support with each breath, either initiated by the patient or the ventilator. D. Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV) allows patients to breathe spontaneously between mandatory breaths. Maintaining airway patency Maintaining airway patency is crucial for adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Here we would like to share with you the following things concerning maintaining airway patency: 1) Intubation is insertion of an endotracheal tube to maintain an open airway 2) Tracheostomy refers to surgical creation of an opening in the trachea to insert a tracheostomy tube, often used for long-term ventilation 3) Oropharyngeal Airway keeps the upper airway open in unconscious patients. 4) Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) is used in conscious or semi-conscious patients to maintain airway patency. NPAs help keep the airway open, especially in patients with partial obstructions due to conditions like sleep apnea, severe fatigue, or sedation. It is useful in preventing the collapse of soft tissues in the upper airway, which can obstruct airflow. By keeping the airway open, NPAs help ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation, reducing the risk of hypoxia. The following is an image of a typical nasopharyngeal airway from a specialized and experienced manufacturer (you can refer to our website for more detailed descriptions: www.bevermedical.com)   Image of a typical nasopharyngeal airway Medicines used for respiratory care  1) Bronchodilators, such as albuterol and ipratropium, relax bronchial muscles, relieving bronchospasm and improving airflow. 2) Corticosteroids, like prednisone, reduce airway inflammation and are used in conditions such as asthma and COPD. 3) Mucolytics, such as acetylcysteine, thin mucus, making it easier to expectorate, thereby improving airway clearance. 4) Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Respiratory diseases Various diseases affect your respiratory health, such as the following. Description of these diseases enriches our knowledge about respiratory care.  a. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities. b. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, resulting in reversible airway obstruction and bronchospasm. c. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the alveoli, causing them to fill with fluid or pus, leading to cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. d. Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries, usually due to blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body. e. Interstitial lung disease causes progressive scarring of lung tissue, leading to reduced oxygenation and respiratory function. Kindly Reminder Through the above descriptions we hope you know more about the fundamentals of respiratory care. If you or your loved ones experience respiratory discomfort it is important that you or they receive medical care that is available ASAP.