Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
07:15
Preoxygenation Techniques for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults Utilizing Oxygen Mask and Noninvasive Ventilation
Published on: December 5, 2025
754
Positive expiratory pressure - Common clinical applications and physiological effects
Monika Fagevik Olsén1, Louise Lannefors2, Elisabeth Westerdahl3
1Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden; Department of Physical Therapy, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Gastrosurgical Research & Education, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Respiratory Medicine
|January 10, 2015
Summary
Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy uses breathing against resistance to improve lung function. Proper patient instruction is crucial for effective airway clearance and lung volume management.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Background:
- Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) is widely used by various patient groups.
- Pursed lips breathing and devices create expiratory resistance for PEP.
- The underlying physiology of PEP's effects is often overlooked in publications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the purpose, performance, clinical application, and physiology of PEP.
- To explain how PEP increases lung volumes, reduces hyperinflation, and aids airway clearance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PEP techniques and their physiological effects.
- Analysis of how different breathing patterns during PEP influence expiratory flow and lung volumes.
Main Results:
- PEP instructions must be individualized due to variations in techniques and patient groups.
- Breathing patterns during PEP significantly impact expiratory flow, airway mucus mobilization, and lung volume.
- Optimal treatment frequency and duration lack consensus and require personalization.
Conclusions:
- Precise instructions for PEP are vital for achieving desired therapeutic outcomes.
- Further research needs to clearly define physiological aims and specific PEP performance instructions for consistent treatment quality and comparability.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
933
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...
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
933
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
4.1K
Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
4.1K
01:24Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
10.8K
Pulmonary ventilation is a vital process that ensures the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs, enabling the body to obtain oxygen and remove waste carbon dioxide. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of pulmonary ventilation, including its underlying principles, mechanisms, and the interplay of pressures within the respiratory system.
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
10.8K
01:24Chest Physiotherapy
2.9K
Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) is a therapeutic technique used in respiratory care to improve ventilation, clear bronchial secretions, and enhance the efficiency of respiratory muscles. This therapy includes three primary procedures: postural drainage, percussion, and vibration. It can be performed on spontaneously breathing patients and those who are intubated and mechanically ventilated.
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
2.9K
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
5.3K
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
5.3K
01:24Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
8.9K
Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...
8.9K