Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on the respiratory system: a comprehensive review

Abstract Background CPAP is characterized by the application of a constant and continuous positive pressure into patient’s airway. By delivering during both inspiration expiration, increases functional residual capacity opens collapsed or under ventilated alveoli, thus decreasing right to left intrapulmonary shunt improving oxygenation in obese individuals. Main body abstract Obesity several alterations mechanics respiratory system that tend further exaggerate impairment gas exchange rendering these patients prone perioperative complications, such as hypoxemia, hypercapnia, atelectasis. Interestingly, has been advocated an efficacious modality for prevention treatment postoperative atelectasis considered be most common complication. In OSA, device works splint airway open prevent collapse upper cardinal event OSA leading improvement sleep, quality life reduction risks cardiovascular neurocognitive side effects associated with disease. Besides beneficial effect, there are other physiological benefits CPAP: greater end-expiratory lung volume consequent increase oxygen stores, increased tracheal traction improve patency decrease cardiac after load. Conclusion Due various on therapy crucial complications particularly related obesity cornerstone moderate severe obstructive sleep apnea.