Positive pressure breathing uses a device to regulate breathing for medical conditions. It helps balance air and gases in the lungs, eliminating life-threatening situations. Snoring and sleep apnea can cause breathing problems, and positive pressure breathing can help. It is only used for occasional pressure problems.
Positive pressure breathing refers to using a specific device to regulate the way a person breathes. This is typically done when certain medical conditions are causing difficulties. Air is pushed through a face mask or airway pressure system and the air and gases within the lungs are then balanced and breathing can return to normal. This type of breathing can help eliminate life-threatening situations that can arise when there isn’t enough pressure in the lungs.
This form of breathing regulation should not be confused with negative pressure breathing, which is the expansion of the lung through the diaphragm. When the pressure inside the lungs stays the same and air moves in and out freely, negative pressure is applied. Positive pressure breathing forces air into the lungs to improve any pressure problems. Most problems with breathing and blood pressure occur when a person is asleep because they are unable to regulate it themselves.
Snoring doesn’t appear to be a life-threatening medical condition, but sometimes it is. This may be due to obesity, which puts pressure on muscle tissue, or to oversized adenoids or tonsils. The conditions can produce pressure and a loud snoring noise as the throat muscles and surrounding tissues relax and vibrate as you inhale. These vibrations can disrupt normal breathing patterns, and if snoring continues for an extended period of time, it increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Another medical condition that can result from irregular breathing is sleep apnea. Typically, while a person sleeps, breathing is rhythmic and steady. During a sleep apnea episode, a breath is taken for too long, disrupting this rhythm. The breath can be held so long that the next rhythmic breath is skipped, which can cause the person to gasp and be unable to fill their lungs completely.
When positive pressure breathing is needed to correct any of these conditions, a breathing mask or tube is used to deliver air into the lungs. Most people suffering from these conditions may need to use these devices for an extended period of time to avoid difficulties, especially during surgical procedures. This type of breathing regulation is only used for people with occasional pressure problems. Those who have difficulty breathing due to lung disease or serious lung conditions typically only use negative pressure breathing to keep the air circulating within the lungs.
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