Approach to Oxygenation in COVID+ Patients
Introduction
The first case of COVID-19 first emerged in Wuhan, China. Soon after this early detection, the cases spread considerably all around the world, and it was declared a global pandemic. Additionally, the rate at which the virus is currently spreading increases every day despite the measures to control it. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy; people have lost their livelihoods, factories have been closed, and foreign trade has been deterred. It is far more than a health crisis since it has impacted societies. Social gatherings and essential functions have been canceled, and the population is forced to lock themselves indoors. Various administrations have pointed out that economic growth and different developmental pathways are doomed to intense and long-lasting shocks.
It is clear from the cases recorded that people are unaware of the basic concepts surrounding the airborne virus. After transmission, an individual infected by this virus is bound to show some symptoms that are categorized into; constitutional, upper-respiratory, lower-respiratory, and gastrointestinal (Farkas, 2020). Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, pneumonia, upset stomach, and fatigue. Covid pneumonia has been determined as the dominant symptom, characterized by chest pains and pain when breathing. However, research has shown that this pneumonia has progressed by causing a form of oxygen deprivation formally referred to as “silent hypoxia” (Levitan, 2020). It is important to note that this development has been the primary reason for the sudden deaths of many covid-19 patients since it is not noticeable from the onset. An analysis of its detection using the pulse oximeter, assessment, and proposed oxygenation treatment offers a platform to control this virus.
Conclusion
In summary, hard-to-detect hypoxemia is a concern that should be explored. COVID lung disease is of two different phenotypes; Type L and Type H. Either of these two types can cause hypoxemia. Patients do not experience shortness of breath until it is too late, hence the need for an effective treatment. Medical professionals and health workers should utilize the tools to ensure that they are delivering proper care to COVID+ patients. First, oxygenation protocols should be adhered to to promote a thorough supply channel. This technique, combined with positioning, has been reported to cushion the disease’s progression and impact. Accordingly, detecting and screening the condition early through pulse oximetry provides plenty of time to assess, evaluate, and provide an effective control measure. Fortunately, patients can use these pulse oximeters in their homes’ comfort, reducing the congestion in hospitals. Awake proning SOCOM is also another appropriate treatment measure that hospitals can adapt. Furthermore, the CPAP ventilator, with built-in viral filters and a closed system, can be used to assist the patient in breathing.
Currently, COVID-19 has killed more than 50,000 individuals nationwide. Some of these treatment measures described above are not entirely accurate, and in some cases, they might not present satisfactory results. Prevention of this virus is not assured, and the death toll will continue to rise. Hospitals should make the best use of what they have, prioritizing vulnerable individuals, like the elderly, children, and patients with underlying chronic diseases. All resources, attention, and time should be directed towards promoting the quality of health and positioning the health sector, if not close, back to its original status. Nations should work together to stay ahead of this virus.
Works Cited
Levitan, The Infection that’s Silently Killing Coronavirus Patients, New York Times, 20 April 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/20/opinion/coronavirus-testing-pneumonia.html, accessed 22 April 2020.
Farkas. J, EMCrit Internet Book of Critical Care: COVID-19, https://emcrit.org/ibcc/covid19/, accessed 22 April 2020.