What is indicated for moderate/severe respiratory distress in adults?

CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is a critical intervention for adults experiencing moderate to severe respiratory distress. This therapy is specifically designed to keep the airways open and improve oxygenation in patients who struggle to breathe due to various conditions such as pulmonary edema, pneumonia, or severe COPD exacerbations. By providing a constant stream of air at a set pressure (in this case, 10 cm H2O), CPAP helps to recruit collapsed alveoli and increase functional residual capacity, which can significantly improve gas exchange, reduce the work of breathing, and prevent respiratory failure.

While supplemental oxygen, high-flow oxygen therapy, and intubation are all important components in the management of respiratory distress, they serve different purposes. Supplemental oxygen is beneficial for treating mild to moderate hypoxemia but does not address airway pressure issues. Intubation, on the other hand, is a more invasive procedure reserved for severe cases when the patient is unable to breathe adequately on their own, which may not be necessary if CPAP can be effectively utilized. High-flow oxygen therapy may provide sufficient oxygenation but lacks the airway pressure benefits that CPAP offers. Ultimately, CPAP is indicated in moderate to severe respiratory distress as it directly addresses the issue of inadequate ventilation and