Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Preoxygenation Techniques for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults Utilizing Oxygen Mask and Noninvasive Ventilation
07:15

Preoxygenation Techniques for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults Utilizing Oxygen Mask and Noninvasive Ventilation

Published on: December 5, 2025

CPAP inhibits non-nutritive swallowing through stimulation of bronchopulmonary receptors

Nathalie Samson1, Charles Duvareille, Marie St-Hilaire

  • 1Neonatal Respiratory Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|December 19, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) inhibits non-nutritive swallowing (NNS) in neonates. This effect is primarily mediated by lung receptors, not upper airway reflexes, suggesting CPAP

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Respiratory and swallowing disorders

Background:

  • Swallowing and respiratory issues are common in neonates.
  • Non-nutritive swallowing (NNS) clears airway secretions and refluxed liquids.
  • Nasal CPAP was previously shown to inhibit NNS in newborn lambs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if CPAP delivered via tracheostomy eliminates NNS inhibition.
  • To determine the role of upper airway receptors in CPAP's effect on NNS.

Main Methods:

  • Newborn lambs were studied during quiet sleep.
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was administered via nasal mask and tracheostomy.
  • Non-nutritive swallowing (NNS) was monitored.

Main Results:

  • Both nasal and tracheal CPAP (6cm H2O) similarly inhibited NNS during quiet sleep.
  • Upper airway receptors do not appear to play a significant role in this inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • CPAP's inhibition of NNS is mainly mediated by bronchopulmonary mechanical receptors.
  • Upper airway reflexes have minimal participation in CPAP's effect on NNS in neonates.

Related Concept Videos

Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are essential methods in respiratory care. These ventilation techniques offer unique benefits for patients with various respiratory conditions, providing adequate support without requiring intubation. Let's explore how each method is crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing respiratory therapy.
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Physiological Control of Respiration01:23

Physiological Control of Respiration

Introduction
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers01:17

Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers

Breathing is primarily an involuntary activity regulated by the brainstem respiratory centers. However, it can also be consciously controlled, allowing us to hold our breath or take deeper breaths when needed. This voluntary control is facilitated by the cerebral motor cortex, which bypasses the medullary centers to stimulate the respiratory muscles directly.
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical level,...
Neural Control of Respiration01:18

Neural Control of Respiration

The neural regulation of respiration is a meticulously coordinated process primarily controlled by the respiratory centers located within the brainstem. These centers, composed of specialized neurons, transmit nerve impulses that control the contraction and relaxation of our respiratory muscles.
Respiratory Centers in the Brainstem
Two primary areas comprise the respiratory center: the medullary respiratory center in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group in the pons. The...
Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration01:22

Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration

The neurogenic control of respiration coordinates various neural networks and pathways to regulate breathing rate and depth, meeting the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange requirements. This system adapts to physiological and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal breathing patterns.
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers: