What effect does PEP therapy have on functional residual capacity?

PEP therapy, or Positive Expiratory Pressure therapy, is primarily used to assist individuals with certain pulmonary conditions by promoting the clearance of secretions and improving lung function. It achieves this by creating a back pressure during exhalation, which helps to keep the airways open and increases the volume of air remaining in the lungs at the end of expiration.

When it comes to functional residual capacity (FRC), which is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration, PEP therapy is beneficial as it generally helps to increase this capacity. The elevated pressure during exhalation aids in recruiting collapsed or partially collapsed lung units, thus improving overall lung mechanics and ventilation-perfusion matching. As a result, this can lead to improved gas exchange and lung function, especially in patients with obstructive lung disease or those who experience atelectasis.

The positive pressure generated during the therapy assists in maintaining airway patency, which helps to improve lung volumes, including functional residual capacity. Therefore, utilizing PEP therapy is an effective strategy for enhancing FRC and supporting better respiratory function in patients.