Question

4.4. What are the indications for use for IPPB (intermittent positive pressure breathing) therapy , list them and give an example for each.(4)

Answer 1

Intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB): It is a respiratory therapy treatment for people who are hypoventilating. It is an older form of assisted or controlled respiration in which com- pressed gas is delivered under positive pressure into a person. While not a preferred method due to the cost.

Indications: The need to improve lung expansion. The presence of clinically significant pulmonary atelectasis when other forms of therapy have been unsuccessful (positive airway pressure, deep breathing exercises, chest physiotherapy and incentive spirometry) or the patient cannot cooperate.

Examples: IPPB is used to expand the lungs, deliver aerosol medications, and in some circumstances ventilate the patient.