|
|
Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
||||||||||
Nasal CPAPDefinitionCPAP stands for "continuous positive airway pressure." CPAP is a treatment that delivers slightly pressurized air during the breathing cycle. This makes breathing easier for persons with obstructive sleep apnea and other respiratory problems. Alternative NamesContinuous positive airway pressure; CPAP; Bilevel positive airway pressure; BiPAP InformationNasal CPAP is given through a mask that is placed and secured over the person's nose or nose and mouth. Slight positive pressure is used to increase the amount of air breathed in without increasing the work of breathing. A similar machine, called BiPAP (for bilevel positive airway pressure) is used as an alternative to CPAP. These devices are useful for children with collapsible airways, small lung volumes, or muscle weakness that make it difficult to breathe. CPAP or BiPAP may also be used for those who have acute respiratory failure, central sleep apnea, heart failure, or COPD. It can take some time to become used to a CPAP device. However, most people who receive help from a respiratory therapist or doctor are able to use and benefit from the machine. ReferencesBasner RC. Continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea. N Engl J Med. 2007 Apr 26;356(17):1751-8. Weaver TE, Maislin G, Dinges DF, Bloxham T, George CF, Greenberg H, et al. Relationship between hours of CPAP use and achieving normal levels of sleepiness and daily functioning. Sleep. 2007 Jun 1;30(6):711-9. Review Date: 9/12/2008
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange , NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
 |
||||||||||
|
|
