The use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines is helping save the lives of many patients hospitalized with Covid-19, revealed a study conducted by Lancaster University in the UK.
These machines use mild air pressure to keep the airways open and are typically used by patients having breathing problems during sleep.
Study author Luigi Sedda said that the study found that the lives of 10 to 20 per cent of patients could be saved through CPAP in the first days of hospitalization.
These researchers have been able to save the lives of a hundred patients infected with Covid-19.
However, the study was done in a pilot mode with small sample size, although comforting evidence is beginning to emerge.
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During the study, the research team used the CPAP machines on Covid-19 patients admitted to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan.
Covid-19 may cause the lungs to swell and collapse in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome.
CPAP treatment, which is often used to provide relief to people with sleep problems, helps to keep the lungs open and makes breathing easier.
The researchers also found that the early use of CPAP reduces lung damage in patients, but when used at a late state it cannot prevent the damage thus, leading to additional inflammation and a reduction in survival chances.
The research team showed how CPAP treatment can be delivered effectively in a ward setting, with low resources where intensive care bed availability is limited.
The researchers said that they have developed a very effective treatment strategy for patients, who develop lung failure following Covid-19 infection.