What is the term used for the use of positive pressure to assist in breathing?

Positive pressure ventilation is the term used to describe the use of mechanical means to push air into the lungs, assisting a patient who is unable to breathe adequately on their own. This method allows for an increase in the volume of air delivered, enhancing oxygenation and ventilation in individuals with compromised respiratory function.

This technique can be crucial in various emergency situations, such as respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, or when patients are unconscious and unable to maintain their own airway. Positive pressure ventilation can be achieved through devices like bag-valve masks or mechanical ventilators, whereby air is introduced into the lungs by creating a pressure gradient.

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) also involves the application of pressure, it maintains a constant level of pressure to keep the airway open, rather than actively pushing air in during a breath cycle. Intermittent positive pressure breathing and aspiration do not accurately describe the method of using positive pressure to assist in breathing as effectively as the chosen term.