ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the various methods of effectively managing and supporting the airway and breathing in critical care, including their merits and limitations. The choice of oxygen delivery device will depend upon the amount of oxygen required, additional respiratory support needed and patient compliance. he continuous airway pressure will provide a peak end expiratory pressure (PEEP) that prevents alveolar collapse at the end of expiration, facilitating greater gas exchange within the alveolae and reducing the work of breathing required to keep these alveolae open. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can be delivered either via a tight-fitting mask that is strapped around the head, and fits over the mouth and nose or via a hood that encloses the entire head and fits tightly around the neck. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has the advantage of being less disruptive than face masks and generally well tolerated compared to other forms of respiratory support.
