What is the main purpose of using CPAP in patients with respiratory distress?

The main purpose of using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in patients with respiratory distress is to improve oxygenation by increasing lung volume. When CPAP is administered, it delivers a continuous flow of air that helps keep the airways open, preventing the collapse of alveoli and allowing for better expansion of the lungs during inhalation. This increased lung volume enhances gas exchange, leading to improved oxygenation of the blood and better overall respiratory function.

CPAP is particularly effective in conditions such as congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where patients often experience breathing difficulties due to fluid in the lungs or airway obstruction, respectively. By increasing the functional residual capacity of the lungs and improving ventilation-perfusion matching, CPAP helps ensure that more oxygen enters the bloodstream, which is vital during episodes of respiratory distress.

Through its mechanism of action, CPAP effectively alleviates some of the work of breathing, making it easier for patients to take in air and improving their overall respiratory status.