The majority of diseases are treated in a clinic or in a normal hospital ward while some cannot. A serious injury, a serious accident or a sudden collapse may require intensive care and high-level support.

There, a critical care doctor steps in. They work with patients who are very sick or at risk of dying, including those with severe infection, sepsis, shock, significant trauma, cardiac arrest, breathing problems, failure of one or more organs and problems after major surgery. This guide will help you to understand the value of critical care and what to expect, simply put.
If you are the one who is looking for a critical care expert in Nagpur, this blog will help you to know about the stuff related to critical care.

When Do You Need a Critical Care Doctor?

If a patient has a serious disease or one that could be life-threatening and needs constant monitoring or advanced medical care or has organ failure that will require ongoing treatment, a critical care doctor might be necessary. These include severe infection, shock, respiratory failure, trauma, cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure.

Not all emergencies require “critical care. Treatment depends on the degree of instability of the patient and the type of support that the body requires. 

What Does a Critical Care Doctor Do?

Also known as intensivists or intensive care specialists, critical care physicians oversee a patient’s care when they are seriously ill. They usually do the following work: 

• Monitoring and stabilising vital signs
• Supporting breathing
• Managing blood pressure and circulation
• Treating severe infections
• Managing organ failure
• Coordinating emergency treatment
• Managing complications after major surgery
• Coordinating advanced life-support therapies

They collaborate in a team with nurses, surgeons, physiotherapists and various specialists. Good ICU care is always a team effort. 

What Are the Signs That Someone May Need Critical Care?

If breathing is becoming very difficult, or they become confused or lose consciousness, the blood pressure is extremely low, they have a serious infection which is worsening, they have signs of organ failure or they are very injured, warn them. Sometimes these may be a sign of a serious complication, which should be assessed quickly. 

1. Severe Difficulty Breathing

Intensive monitoring is needed if there is dangerously low oxygen or respiratory failure. It can be anything from oxygen to non-invasive breathing support to mechanical ventilation, depending on the patient. 

2. Loss of Consciousness or Altered Mental Status

If the person cannot respond, is confused, is very drowsy or has a seizure, it may indicate a serious issue. Loss of consciousness is a medical emergency! 

3. Shock or Very Low Blood Pressure

Shock can cause inadequate blood supply and oxygen to organs. It can be due to a severe infection, blood loss, heart condition, severe allergic reaction or trauma. Shock may require more intensive care (ICU) monitoring and treatment. 

4. Severe Infection or Sepsis

Sepsis is the body’s very reaction to a serious infection which begins to damage the body tissues. This severe sepsis can require intensive care. It is not a diagnosis you can do yourself, so go to the medical professionals for help.

5. Multiple Organ Failure

At the same time, critical illness can impact the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart and brain. Close monitoring is required along with advanced support for these patients. 

6. Major Trauma

Road accidents can involve multiple fractures with internal bleeding, head/ chest injury and injury to several organs. These patients may require critical care following stabilisation. 

When Does a Patient Need ICU Care?

The ICU admission is determined by the condition of the patient and level of monitoring/ organ support requirements. Common situations include: 

• Mechanical ventilation or severe respiratory failure
• Shock or severe sepsis
• Multi-organ failure
• Serious cardiac emergencies
• Major trauma
• Complicated recovery after surgery

Many patients with emergencies recover in a regular ward. The medical team decides who needs the ICU.

What Happens During ICU Care?

The ICU is designed for patients requiring additional observation and assistance beyond what can be provided in a ward. Care usually includes: 

• Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels
• Regular blood tests
• Medicines and fluid management
•  Respiratory and organ support when needed
• Consultations with other specialists

The rules for visiting and updates to families will differ depending on the hospital, so inquire of the team how they will keep you updated. 

What Advanced Treatments May Be Used in Critical Care?

Treatment may range from: 

• Ventilator support: Assistance in breathing for patients who are unable to breathe on their own. 
• Dialysis or CRRT: Takes over kidney function if kidneys are badly damaged. The CRRT is a form of dialysis that is used in critically ill patients and is a continuous process. 
• ECMO: Machine to assist heart or lung failure in certain patients who have heart or lung failure. It isn’t for everyone. 
• Circulatory support: Medicines and close monitoring to maintain blood flow in shock.

No treatment guarantees recovery. The team recommends what is appropriate for each patient.

When Should You Look for a Critical Care Specialist in Nagpur?

The critical care specialist Nagpur can be called on early if the disease is serious or worsening quickly. When they are looking for a critical care doctor in Nagpur then families should enquire about: 

• 24×7 emergency and ICU availability
• Ventilator and organ support
• Diagnostic and laboratory support
• Specialists from other departments
• Emergency surgery and post-surgical critical care

Not all hospitals offer all services, so verify prior to traveling if not an emergency. 

Dr. Parikshit Mahajan – Critical Care Doctor in Nagpur

Aureus Hospital’s Dr. Parikshit Mahajan, whose profile says he is an IFCCM and a critical care physician, has completed 3 medical degrees – MBBS, MD Critical Care and IFCCM. His current specialisations are Critical Care Medicine, General Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease Management.

His profile states that he has over 10 years of experience with multiple organ emergencies and transplant coordination. It mentions experience in medical/surgical emergencies, road traffic accidents, polytrauma, cardiac arrest and shock, kidney and liver failure, infectious diseases and sepsis.

It also includes 24-hour intensive care unit (ICU) care, ventilator support, dialysis, ECMO/CRRT and advanced critical care for post-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. 

Emergency ICU Care in Nagpur: What Should Families Look For?

For  critical care  in Nagpur, families can look for:

• Immediate medical assessment
• 24×7 ICU availability
• Ventilator support and continuous monitoring
• Emergency laboratory and imaging support
• Specialist availability
• Dialysis or organ support where clinically required
• Post-operative critical care
• Infection control and multidisciplinary care

When Should You Seek Emergency Medical Care?

One should seek emergency care for:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Sudden loss of consciousness
• Severe chest pain
• Signs of stroke, such as sudden weakness or confusion
• Severe bleeding or serious injury
• Persistent seizures
• Very low blood pressure or signs of shock
• A severe infection that is getting worse

Final Thoughts

The purpose of critical care is for patients who are critically ill. If you or a loved one are severely affected, don’t delay. Get immediate medical attention. Dr. Parikshit Mahajan and his team at Aureus Hospital, Nagpur. The team can diagnose serious conditions and provide expert advice and care when required.