How does CPAP benefit lung function?

CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, enhances lung function primarily by increasing pressure in the lungs, which helps improve oxygen exchange. When CPAP is applied, it maintains a consistent positive pressure during both inhalation and exhalation, preventing the airway from collapsing and thereby increasing the functional residual capacity of the lungs. This increased lung volume provides a larger surface area for gas exchange, allowing for improved oxygenation of the blood and more efficient removal of carbon dioxide.

By enhancing ventilation-perfusion matching and reducing work of breathing, CPAP can also aid individuals suffering from conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and pulmonary edema. This method is particularly valuable in patients with compromised respiratory function, as it assists in keeping the alveoli open, facilitating better gas exchange and improving overall respiratory mechanics.

The other choices do not capture the primary benefits of CPAP. For instance, while fluid drainage can happen indirectly as a result of improved lung mechanics, this is not its primary mode of action. Additionally, CPAP does not decrease tidal volume or reduce heart rate; in fact, it typically has no direct effect on these parameters.