Positive end-expiratory pressure
Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a mode of mechanical ventilation in which airway pressure is maintained above atmospheric pressure at the end of exhalation by means of a mechanical device.
Pronunciation
Positive end-expiratory pressure: /ˈpɒzɪtɪv ˌɛnd-ɪkˈspaɪərətɔːri ˈprɛʃər/
Etymology
The term "positive end-expiratory pressure" is derived from the medical terms "positive", "end", "expiratory", and "pressure". "Positive" comes from the Latin word "positivus", meaning "settled by agreement, positive" (in Medieval Latin, "formally laid down"), "end" comes from the Old English "endian", meaning "to finish", "expiratory" comes from the Latin "exspirare", meaning "to breathe out", and "pressure" comes from the Latin "pressura", meaning "action of pressing".
Definition
PEEP is a critical component of ventilator management, used to prevent alveolar collapse at the end of the exhalation phase of the respiratory cycle. It is particularly beneficial in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other forms of lung injury.
Related Terms
- Mechanical ventilation: The use of a machine to assist in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
- Alveolar collapse: The collapse of the small air sacs in the lungs, which can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood.
- Respiratory cycle: The process of inhaling and exhaling air in and out of the lungs.
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): A severe lung condition causing shortness of breath and rapid breathing.
- Lung injury: Damage to the lungs, often caused by illness or trauma.
See Also
- Inspiratory positive airway pressure
- Continuous positive airway pressure
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Positive end-expiratory pressure
- Wikipedia's article - Positive end-expiratory pressure
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