Side Effects and Risks of Ventilator Use

          Respiratory and Pulmonary Risks

          Mechanical ventilation may compromise the airway's defensive barriers, increasing the risk of bacterial invasion and potentially leading to ventilator-associated
pneumonia (VAP), which is a serious infectious complication. Excessive airway pressure or alveolar overdistension can cause barotrauma, manifesting as pneumothorax,

pneumomediastinum, or subcutaneous emphysema. In addition, prolonged inhalation of high-concentration oxygen may result in oxygen toxicity, damaging the lungs

and the central nervous system.

          Facial and Airway Injuries

          Long-term pressure from non-invasive ventilator masks may cause pressure ulcers on the nasal and facial areas, leading to skin redness, swelling, or breakdown.

Invasive intubation may cause friction trauma to the airway mucosa, resulting in throat pain, hoarseness, ulceration, and even tracheal stenosis. Inadequate cleaning of

the breathing circuit can promote bacterial growth, exacerbating respiratory infections.

          Physiological and Psychological Effects

          Prolonged assisted ventilation may lead to respiratory muscle atrophy, weakening spontaneous breathing ability and causing difficulty in weaning or ventilator

dependence. Positive-pressure ventilation increases intrathoracic pressure, reducing venous return and potentially causing hemodynamic instability such as hypotension.

Some patients may also experience gastric distension, claustrophobia, anxiety, and other discomforts.