What Is Airvo and Why Are South African Patients Being Prescribed It?

There are many people in South Africa who require additional respiratory support, and there are various options available to assist them. While mask-based respiratory support systems are widely known, there are also alternatives that do not involve wearing a mask, including Airvo.

Airvo offers high flow oxygen therapy without having to worry about a tight-fitting mask. It delivers a steady flow of warm humidified air through a soft nasal cannula, which means greater comfort for patients.

In this article, we will look at some of the reasons South African patients are being prescribed Airvo. 

Why Is It Prescribed?

There are various reasons why patients in South Africa are being prescribed Airvo. Some of the key ones are: 

Assisting with Breathing Difficulties

One of the key reasons South African patients might be prescribed Airvo is to assist with breathing difficulties and make breathing easier. There are various health problems and conditions that can lead to breathing difficulties, and sometimes patients need more than just standard therapy. This is where Airvo might be considered the right solution to help deliver oxygen-rich air at a high flow rate. 

Increasing Comfort for Patients

Another reason patients might benefit from Airvo is that it provides support without creating discomfort. For many respiratory patients, wearing a tight-fitting mask can be stressful and uncomfortable, and Airvo can provide a great alternative. This solution does not require a mask, as it uses a soft nasal cannula to provide relief. This can help to reduce the risk of the nose and airway becoming dry and irritated. 

Better Support with Higher Flow Rates

One of the main reasons South African patients might be prescribed Airvo is that it provides better support than standard solutions because of its higher flow rates. There are some instances where standard oxygen therapy might not be adequate to support the patient. Airvo is able to deliver oxygen at much higher flow rates, providing a better level of respiratory support for patients. 

Aiding Recovery of Respiratory Patients

While Airvo is often used in hospitals and clinical settings when patients are unwell, it can also be prescribed to patients who are in recovery. After a serious respiratory illness, the lungs of patients might still need additional support even when they are recovering. Airvo can provide the support needed to help the patient with their recovery.

Of course, all patients are assessed on a case-by-case basis when it comes to being prescribed Airvo. While it might be suitable for one patient, it might not be the best solution for another, so healthcare professionals will make a decision based on careful assessment.

Valuable Support for Patients

Being prescribed Airvo does not necessarily mean that a patient’s condition is worsening. Sometimes, it might be prescribed simply for additional support or to aid the recovery of a patient following a serious illness or surgery.

It also provides a more comfortable and reassuring means of delivering a high flow of oxygen to patients.