气道湿化——简单而又复杂的话题

气道湿化是指应用湿化器将溶液或水分散成极细微粒(通常为分子形式),以增加吸入气中的湿度,使气道和肺能吸入含足够水分的气体,达到湿化气道粘膜、稀释痰液、保持粘液纤毛正常运动和廓清功能的一种物理疗法。其适应证广泛,且无绝对禁忌证,是气道管理中最重要的、也是最容易被忽视的环节。其中加温湿化器和热湿交换器最受推崇,但两者的疗效孰优孰劣尚难确定,因此临床上可根据患者的具体情况灵活选择。

Airway Humidification

The airway humidification is defined as a physical therapy that can humidify airway mucous membrane, dilute sputum and maintain normal cilia function of movement and clearance by means of humidifier worked by converting sterile water to evaporation principles, which enables increased moisture in inspired gases; provide adequate water in the airway and alveoli clearance. The indications of humidification are much compounded and not yet absolute contraindications. The humidification is the most important, but always be neglected, component of airway management. Currently the Heated Humidifier and the Heat-Moisture Exchanger (also called artificial nose) are more favorable, meanwhile a controversy exists concerning the therapeutic effect of these systems. The clinical selection between these devices might be based on the special conditions of patients.