Intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) is a respiratory therapy

Respiratory therapy

Respiratory therapy is a healthcare profession in which specialists work with patients suffering from either acute or chronic respiratory problems. These specialists are termed Respiratory Therapists in most places internationally but may also be referred to as Respiratory Scientists or...

 treatment for people who are hypoventilating

Hypoventilation

In medicine, hypoventilation occurs when ventilation is inadequate to perform needed gas exchange...

. While not a preferred method due to cost, IPPB is used to provide expand the lungs, deliver aerosol medications, and in some circumstances ventilate

Mechanical ventilation

In medicine, mechanical ventilation is a method to mechanically assist or replace spontaneous breathing. This may involve a machine called a ventilator or the breathing may be assisted by a physician, respiratory therapist or other suitable person compressing a bag or set of bellows...

 the patient.

Indications

IPPB may be indicated for patients who are at risk for developing atelectasis

Atelectasis

Atelectasis is defined as the collapse or closure of alveoli resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange. It may affect part or all of one lung. It is a condition where the alveoli are deflated, as distinct from pulmonary consolidation.It is a very common finding in chest x-rays and other...

 and who are unable or unwilling to deep breathe without assistance. In patients with severe lung hyperinflation, IPPB may decrease dyspnea

Dyspnea

Dyspnea , shortness of breath , or air hunger, is the subjective symptom of breathlessness.It is a normal symptom of heavy exertion but becomes pathological if it occurs in unexpected situations...

 and discomfort during nebulized therapy.

Complications

Most contraindications are relative, such as nausea, hemodynamic instability, trachea

Trachea

Trachea may refer to:* Vertebrate trachea, or windpipe, in terrestrial vertebrates, such as birds and mammals* Invertebrate trachea, in terrestrial invertebrates, such as insects and crustaceans* Vessel elements in plants...

l fistula

Fistula

In medicine, a fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway between two epithelium-lined organs or vessels that normally do not connect. It is generally a disease condition, but a fistula may be surgically created for therapeutic reasons.-Locations:Fistulas can develop in various parts of the...

, singulation

Singulation

Singulation is a method by which an RFID reader identifies a tag with a specific serial number from a number of tags in its field. This is necessary because if multiple tags respond simultaneously to a query, they will jam each other...

 and hemoptysis

Hemoptysis

Hemoptysis or haemoptysis is the expectoration of blood or of blood-stained sputum from the bronchi, larynx, trachea, or lungs Hemoptysis or haemoptysis is the expectoration (coughing up) of blood or of blood-stained sputum from the bronchi, larynx, trachea, or lungs Hemoptysis or haemoptysis ...

. Untreated tension pneumothorax is an absolute contraindication.