Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Positive pressure ventilation
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Positive pressure ventilation is a technique which utilizes a mechanism such as a mechanical ventilator to force air into the lungs, to assist breathing in patients with temporary, or chronic respiratory problems and disease.
High pressure air at the opening of the airway mobilizes oxygen flow down the pressure gradient, and into the patient’s lungs. Spontaneous respiration usually happens, as a negative pressure is created inside the lungs and air enters quickly to fill this lower pressure.
The ventilation mechanism generates a positive pressure outside the patient. An intubation canula of some type is usually implemented to achieve this.
Positive pressure ventilation is also used in fire fighting to blow the smoke away and out of a burning room or structure. See Ventilation (firefighting).
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