Final answer:
Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation is a medical procedure used to assist breathing without the need for invasive intubation. It includes such treatments as CPAP and EPAP devices, which help to maintain open airways and support pulmonary ventilation by regulating airway pressures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) is a method used to assist or replace spontaneous breathing when a patient's respiratory function is impaired. This type of ventilation is provided without the need for an invasive endotracheal airway and can be applied through various types of masks. Among the commonly known therapies under NPPV, there is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which helps keep airways open during sleep, particularly in the treatment of sleep apnea. CPAP works by pumping air into the airways at a pressure high enough to overcome obstructions in the airway and stimulate normal breathing.
The device used in CPAP treatment includes a mask that can cover either the nose and mouth or just the nose, delivering a steady flow of air to maintain open airways as illustrated in Figure 4.13. However, due to challenges with consistent compliance with CPAP usage, alternative treatments are being explored. One such alternative showing promising results is the Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) device which helps patients during the expiratory phase of respiration.
These positive pressure therapies are crucial for maintaining pulmonary ventilation—the movement of air into and out of the lungs—which is driven by differences in pressure including atmospheric pressure, intra-alveolar pressure (the pressure within the alveoli), and intrapleural pressure (the pressure within the pleural cavity).