The morning of July 3, the doctors extubated Austin from the ventilator. However, he really struggled with breathing due to swelling and suspected floppiness of his larynx and trachea (his throat and air pipe). They are administering IV steroids and aerosolized epinephrine (a vaporized steroid which is inhaled) to try to help with the swelling and allow his airway to open.
Late yesterday afternoon, Austin was still having difficulty. In order to avoid re-intubating, he has been placed in a tent with heliox (a helium-oxygen gas mixture; as helium is a smaller particle than oxygen, it assists in delivering air through the swollen area). He did well overnight and the plan is to wean him off the heliox throughout the day today. The doctors are predicting that if no other difficulties arise, we may be able to take Austin home as early as Monday.
Late yesterday afternoon, Austin was still having difficulty. In order to avoid re-intubating, he has been placed in a tent with heliox (a helium-oxygen gas mixture; as helium is a smaller particle than oxygen, it assists in delivering air through the swollen area). He did well overnight and the plan is to wean him off the heliox throughout the day today. The doctors are predicting that if no other difficulties arise, we may be able to take Austin home as early as Monday.
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