Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Intensive care (ICU)

Intensive care is for people so seriously ill or injured that important body functions need very close monitoring or temporary support. Breathing, blood pressure, the heart, kidneys or brain can be monitored intensively and supported with equipment or medicines when needed. An ICU admission is often distressing for both patient and family, and recovery can continue long after discharge with physical, cognitive or psychological symptoms.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

  • The ICU is for people whose breathing, circulation, brain, kidneys or other vital functions are acutely threatened or may deteriorate rapidly.
  • Intensive care combines close monitoring with organ support. This may include oxygen, ventilation, blood-pressure medicines, fluid management, dialysis and frequent checks.
  • Someone in intensive care may be sleepy from illness or sedation, or restless, anxious or confused. This does not automatically mean permanent brain damage.
  • Family helps with communication, recognising normal behaviour and support, but practical rules such as visiting hours and visitor numbers differ between hospitals on Curaçao.
  • Recovery does not end when someone leaves intensive care. Muscles, memory, mood and capacity may take a long time to recover.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
C
Coronavirus in hospitalHospital admission for COVID-19 is needed when monitoring or treatment at home is not safe enough, for example because of low oxygen, dehydration, severe weakness or destabilisation of another illness. The team treats the virus and lungs and also monitors clots, the heart, kidneys, delirium, nutrition, mobility and recovery.
H
High blood pressureHigh blood pressure usually causes no clear symptoms, but over time it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. The focus is therefore on reliable repeated measurements and overall risk, rather than panic over a single reading. Measuring correctly at home, supporting healthy habits and not changing medicines yourself are important parts of safe care.
L
Long COVIDLong COVID, also called post-COVID, means symptoms persist after a coronavirus infection or continue to have a clear impact later. Fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, brain fog, loss of smell and worsening after exertion are common. Good care involves both acknowledging symptoms and ruling out other treatable causes. Overexertion can delay recovery, especially when symptoms worsen after activity.