Respiratory Intensive Care

Respiratory Intensive Care Units (RICUs) are specialized medical facilities designed to provide comprehensive critical care for patients facing severe respiratory conditions. These units play a pivotal role in the management of patients with acute and chronic respiratory disorders, ensuring they receive the specialized care needed to support their lung function and overall well-being. Staffed by a highly skilled team of healthcare professionals, RICUs are equipped with advanced technology and resources to monitor and treat a wide range of respiratory conditions. 

Conditions Treated By The Department

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A severe lung condition characterized by rapid onset of respiratory failure, necessitating advanced ventilatory support.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbations: Severe exacerbations of COPD may require intensive interventions to stabilize respiratory function.
• Pneumonia: Severe cases of bacterial or viral pneumonia, particularly those leading to respiratory failure, require specialized care and interventions.
• Asthma Exacerbations: Patients with severe asthma attacks who do not respond to conventional treatment may require intensive care to manage their condition.
• Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs): Severe cases of ILDs, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, may require intensive monitoring and support.

Common Procedures

• Mechanical Ventilation: Providing respiratory support for patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own due to respiratory failure from conditions like COPD, asthma, ARDS, or pneumonia.
• Endotracheal Intubation: Inserting a tube into the trachea to establish an airway for mechanical ventilation.
• Tracheostomy: Creating an opening in the neck to the trachea for prolonged ventilation support.
• Bronchoscopy: A procedure to look directly at the airways in the lungs, used for diagnosis, clearing obstructions, or managing complications like bleeding.
• Chest Tube Placement: To drain air, blood, or fluid from the space around the lungs, often necessary in cases of pneumothorax, pleural effusion, or post-thoracic surgery.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP): Non-invasive ventilation techniques to help keep the airways open and assist breathing.
• Arterial Line Insertion: For continuous blood pressure monitoring and frequent arterial blood gas analysis.
• Pulmonary Artery Catheterization: For detailed monitoring of heart and lung function in critically ill patients.
• Pleural Tap or Thoracentesis: Removing fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
• Suctioning: To clear secretions from the airways, especially for patients unable to cough effectively.
• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): In severe cases, this technique provides cardiac and respiratory support by oxygenating the blood outside the body.

Key Advantages

• Improved Respiratory Function: Specialized care in RICUs has been associated with improved respiratory function and oxygenation for patients facing severe respiratory conditions.
• Reduced Mortality Rates: Close monitoring and targeted interventions in RICUs help prevent or quickly address potential complications, improving overall patient outcomes.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Successful management of respiratory conditions in RICUs leads to improved quality of life for patients, allowing them to regain independence and resume normal activities.

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.