Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a form of mechanical ventilation that assists a person with the work of breathing and thus allow better gas exchange within the lungs. CPAP machines are used in a variety of situations, both inside and outside of hospitals and for various disorders. Common uses include as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, in order to prevent endotracheal intubation or as a treatment or preventative measure for respiratory failure.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
CPAP machines are often used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is characterized by periods of shallow or no breathing during sleep, usually due to a mechanical blockage of the airway that happens during the complete relaxation of deep sleep. CPAP is the mainstay treatment for obstructive sleep apnea as the positive pressure applied by the CPAP machine to the airway prevents obstruction, thereby preventing apnea during sleep. CPAP therapy is usually well tolerated, and not using CPAP when it is indicated can have serious health consequences for those who suffer from sleep apnea.
Preventing Endotracheal Intubation
Occasionally when a person has certain medical conditions such as lung disease, congestive heart failure or another respiratory problem, it may be necessary to provide mechanical assistance to ease the work of breathing. Traditionally the method of choice is to insert a breathing tube into the airway and aid this support with an external mechanical ventilator. This often requires the patient to be sedated, and sometimes weaning from the ventilator can be a long and tedious process. CPAP is sometimes used instead of endotracheal intubation with a breathing tube as a way to provide a moderate level of mechanical support to ease the work of breathing without the complications that come with having a breathing tube in the airway itself.
Prevention of Respiratory Failure
With certain medical problems, there can emerge a mismatch between the body's need for oxygen and what the respiratory system can provide. This often occurs with lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma. When the respiratory system cannot provide enough oxygen for the body, a series of events happens within the body that leads to what medical professionals term "respiratory failure." Because CPAP therapy can be combined with oxygen therapy, this combination is often used in order to improve gas exchange within the lungs and to ease the work of breathing in someone who is struggling to meet their body's demands for oxygen. The alternative when no CPAP is available is generally endotracheal intubation with external mechanical ventilation. This option is often undesirable for patients with certain lung problems because of the difficulties of weaning from mechanical ventilation once the ventilator has been applied.
References
- "Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Critical Care;" 2008
- "Diseases and Disorders: A Nursing Therapeutics Manual; Marilyn S. Sommers, R.N. Ph.D., Susan A. Johnson, R.N., Ph.D. and Theresa A. Beery, R.N., Ph.D.; 2007
