A cannula is a thin, flexible tube that doctors insert into a person's body cavity, like their nose or a vein. Cannulas are used for various medical purposes, including:
- Draining fluids: Cannulas can help remove excess fluids from the body, such as in cases of pleural effusion (fluid buildup in the lungs) or ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen).
- Administering medication: Cannulas can be used to deliver medications directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This method is particularly useful for administering medications quickly or when oral administration is not possible.
- Providing oxygen: Nasal cannulas are commonly used to deliver supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory problems, such as pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Cannulas come in different types, each designed for a specific purpose. For example, intravenous (IV) cannulas are inserted into veins for blood transfusions, medication administration, and blood draws. Nasal cannulas, on the other hand, are inserted into the nostrils to deliver oxygen.
