How much chance of survival is there on a ventillator?

My sister collapsed because she couldnt breathe because she has really bad athsma and now shes on a ventillator.

Im so scared. No-ones telling me what's going on, what it does, and what the chances of survival are. I just know its serious.

The survival rate is good, but we don't know what her diagnosis is, or if she's going to be dependent on the machine, so I can't really give you any advice on that

I will tell you to be strong, because as scared as you are, she's bound to be even more scared - show her your strength, and use it as a tool to get you all through this difficult time

I wish you all the best

Ventillators are pretty good. Survival rate...really really high. I don't know of anyone with asthma whos had to be on one to die.
I'm sure she'll be A ok and up and about before you know it! Just be positive.
Much luv!hearts;

it happened to me once now I ride motorcycles and I just had to quit my band but like ichibanarky said its to tell without a diagnoses

You'll learn more after the Dr talks to you - we never know what sudden change life will take - cannot assume the worst - best thing you can do is pray for her and be there - you're all in my thoughts and prayers.

It all depends on your sister's diagnosis, age and health before going on the vent.

MANY people do come off ventilators very well. Pray, listen to the doctors and nurses and ask questions of them, too. Modern medicine is amazing!

I hope your sister gets well, FAST!
~Karan~ RN

Did anyone use the term Status Asthmaticus to describe your Sister? I'll bet that's what she has. Ventilators are also sometimes called life support. Something you might not know, but 60% of your body's energy goes just to breathing. You can relax most parts of your body, but you can never stop breathing. When you are healthy and strong, you can spare that amount of energy. When you are seriously ill or injured, sometimes your body just can't develop enough extra energy to heal AND put out that 60% required for breathing. When a person goes on a Ventilator, the machine relieves the body of that 60% energy expenditure, which allows the body to redirect that energy to healing up the other problems: injury, illness, whatever. After the body has healed the OTHER problems, it will have sufficient spare energy to resume breathing duties. Most patients on Ventilators come off them after a few days. People who remain on Ventilators for more than 7 days have a reduced rate of survival. But nothing is chiseled in stone. The rate of recovery of Status Asthmaticus patients on Ventilators is excellent. I bet she'll do just fine. Just let the machine do its job, and leave the rest to the nurses and respiratory techs.
- Gary, ICU RN