The use of inspiratory positive pressure breathing in cardio-pulmonary diseases

In summary, inspiratory positive pressure breathing (IPPB) by itself and independently has therapeutic value, particularly in asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. It probably accomplishes this result by helping to clear the bronchial airways of obstructing secretions and exudations, although other effects as yet unknown may be important. The therapeutic results are erratic and the use of IPPB is justified only by the otherwise inexorable progress to an asphyxial death of crippling chronic pulmonary disease.

The technique may also be used as a means of temporarily diminishing venous return in acute pulmonary œdema, and of expanding collapsed segments of lung in respiratory paralysis and post-operative immobilisation of the lung. The hazards of this form of treatment are slight.