Final answer:
Positive airway pressure therapy may lead to stomach bloating and pain due to increased pressure forcing air into the stomach. This situation is different from the regular pressure changes managed by the body, such as those in the esophagus and Eustachian tubes, which regulate digestion and ear pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Positive airway pressure therapy can sometimes lead to stomach bloating and stomach pain. This is because the therapy increases pressure within the airways to keep them open, but this pressure can also cause air to enter the stomach, resulting in bloating. It's essential to distinguish this from the pressure in the digestive system, which is driven by muscle actions and is crucial for the movement of food and waste. The stomach, normally tied to sensations of hunger, responds to its internal pressure. When positive pressure in the chest cavity occurs, such as during this therapy, it can force stomach acid into the esophagus, similar to the mechanism causing heartburn. Conversely, our bodies are designed to manage pressure changes such as the negative pressure in the relaxed esophagus and the equalization of pressure in the Eustachian tubes to prevent eardrum damage during activities like scuba diving or plane flights.