Applications

Breathing gas conditioning. Active humidification

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Breathing gas conditioning

Breathing gas conditioning refers to the heating and humidification of the inspired air or the breathing gas administered. This can be done either actively using a humidifier or passively with an HME filter (heat and moisture exchanger).

Since the respiratory system of premature infants and newborns is frequently not yet fully developed or is at least very sensitive, active humidification systems are preferably used for small patients. 

Isothermic saturation zone: Point at which the breathing gas is fully saturated with heat and moisturea​, Relative humidity: Percentage of water of a gas mixture based on the maximum water content possibleb​, Absolute humidity: Actual water content of a gas mixturec

  • Reduces airway resistance

  • Improves lung compliance

  • Infection prophylaxis

  • Energy savings of the body of the small patient

Natural humidification of the airways

Moisture is an important component of the respiratory system. It is the basis for the mucociliary transport system of the lungs which clears impurities from the airways.

During inspiration, air is warmed and humidified in the nasopharyngeal cavity and in the trachea. When it reaches the bronchial tubes, it is enriched with water vapor.

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Active humidification of the airways

Medical gas is cold and dry and even after a short period of time, it has a significant negative effect on lung function and the mucous membranes. It disrupts the natural distribution of temperature and moisture and the valuable work of the mucociliary system is limited. The influence of ventilation tubes and the administration of high ventilation flows additionally need to be compensated by the mucous membranes in the airways. 

Heated and humidified breathing gas, on the other hand, preserves the viscosity of the  mucus. As a result, the ciliary activity (cilia = very fine hairs on the mucous membrane cells) is maintained. 

References

 

Definition

  • a. Isothermic saturation zone: Point at which the breathing gas is fully saturated with heat and moisture
  • b. Relative humidity: Percentage of water of a gas mixture based on the maximum water content possible

 

  • c. Absolute humidity: Actual water content of a gas mixture