Positive Pressure Breathing

Definition

Positive pressure breathing is a technique used in respiratory support and mechanical ventilation, where the ventilator or breathing device applies a positive pressure to the airways, forcing air into the lungs. This contrasts with normal breathing, where the diaphragm and chest muscles create a negative pressure to draw air into the lungs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Positive pressure breathing helps overcome respiratory muscle fatigue and improve gas exchange in patients with respiratory distress or failure.
2. The positive pressure applied by the ventilator or breathing device can be adjusted to meet the patient's specific needs, such as increasing oxygenation or assisting with exhalation.
3. Positive pressure breathing is commonly used in critical care settings, such as intensive care units, to support patients with conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
4. Proper technique and monitoring are essential when using positive pressure breathing to avoid complications like barotrauma, pneumothorax, or hemodynamic instability.
5. Positive pressure breathing can be delivered through various interfaces, including endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy tubes, or non-invasive masks, depending on the patient's condition and needs.

Review Questions

• Explain how positive pressure breathing differs from normal breathing mechanics.
  • In normal breathing, the diaphragm and chest muscles create a negative pressure within the thoracic cavity, causing air to be drawn into the lungs. In contrast, positive pressure breathing uses a ventilator or breathing device to apply a positive pressure to the airways, actively forcing air into the lungs. This technique overcomes the body's natural respiratory muscles and can be used to support patients with respiratory distress or failure.
• Describe the key benefits of using positive pressure breathing in respiratory support.
  • Positive pressure breathing can help improve gas exchange, overcome respiratory muscle fatigue, and support patients with conditions like ARDS or COPD. By applying a positive pressure to the airways, the ventilator can increase oxygenation, assist with exhalation, and reduce the work of breathing for the patient. This can be crucial in critical care settings where the patient's respiratory system is compromised and requires artificial support to maintain proper lung function and gas exchange.
• Analyze the importance of proper technique and monitoring when using positive pressure breathing.
  • Positive pressure breathing requires careful management to avoid potential complications. Improper technique or excessive pressure can lead to issues like barotrauma, pneumothorax, or hemodynamic instability. Constant monitoring of the patient's respiratory and cardiovascular status is essential to ensure the positive pressure is effectively supporting the patient's needs without causing additional harm. Healthcare providers must be trained in the proper use of positive pressure breathing devices and closely monitor the patient's response to this respiratory support intervention.

Related terms

Mechanical Ventilation: A life support system that provides artificial respiration by delivering air or oxygen to the lungs through a tube inserted into the airway.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A type of positive pressure breathing that provides a constant level of positive pressure to keep the airways open, often used to treat sleep apnea.

Respiratory Distress: A condition where the body has difficulty breathing, often requiring medical intervention and respiratory support.