Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Definition: CPAP stands for "continuous positive airway pressure." CPAP is a treatment that uses slightly pressurized air throughout the breathing cycle. This makes it easier to breathe and get more air. CPAP can be used by mouth, by nose, or through ventilation tubes.Information: Nasal 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.
CPAP is useful for children with collapsible airways, small lung volumes, or muscle weakness that interferes with adequate ventilation.
CPAP is also used for adults with COPD, acute respiratory failure, and sleep apnea.
An illustration of nasal CPAP is at
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/9685.htm.
Adapted from the National Library of Medicine (http://medlineplus.gov).