TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Chapter 51. Humidification A1 - Ricard, Jean-Damien A1 - Dreyfuss, Didier A2 - Tobin, Martin J. Y1 - 2013 N1 - T2 - Principles and Practice of Mechanical Ventilation, 3e AB - Humidification issues are overlooked by many clinicians in the intensive care unit (ICU). Because the need to heat and humidify inspired gases during mechanical ventilation is unanimously accepted, this process is considered the basic, supportive standard of care, about which there is no real debate. Yet, considerable controversy has surrounded central issues concerning humidification such as the level of adequate humidification and how to provide it, the influence of humidification devices on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia, and certain patients and clinical situations and their requirements, such as the need for humidification during noninvasive ventilation. This may account for important differences in the practice of humidification between countries.1,2 Fortunately, renewed interest has emerged over the past decade, as indicated by several clinical studies that have helped settle some controversies. This chapter will review the reasons for conditioning inspired gases by recalling the normal process of heating and humidifying air during spontaneous breathing, the physical principles of humidification, and the consequences of inappropriate conditioning. Devices to achieve this conditioning are covered and their advantages and potential drawbacks discussed. Finally, practical guidelines are provided. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/19 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=57078038 ER -