Final answer:
Positive pressure ventilation can lead to health care associated infections, particularly in patients with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis. The use of contaminated equipment can result in severe complications, including pneumonia and hemorrhages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Positive pressure ventilation, particularly when delivered through mechanical means such as ventilators, poses several risks to patients. The use of ventilators can introduce health care associated infections with pathogens, including bacteria, which can be particularly problematic when the equipment is contaminated. In severe cases, this may lead to conditions such as ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Patients with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis are often more susceptible to these infections. These patients already face increased airway resistance, which can be exacerbated by positive pressure ventilation. Moreover, the risk of developing aspergillomas, a fungal mass from the genus Aspergillus, increases, which can cause severe pneumonia and lead to potentially fatal complications such as pulmonary or brain hemorrhages.
Individuals should be aware of symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and headaches as they can indicate complications from positive pressure ventilation. It is critical that medical staff monitor for signs of infection and manage ventilators with strict hygiene protocols to mitigate these risks.