What technique can assist ventilation in patients experiencing severe respiratory distress?

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is an effective technique for assisting ventilation in patients experiencing severe respiratory distress. This method involves delivering positive pressure through a mask or similar interface, allowing for improved oxygenation and ventilation without the need for intubation. It can help to offload the work of breathing, support alveolar ventilation, and reduce the overall respiratory rate, which is particularly beneficial in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and congestive heart failure.

By providing supplemental oxygen at a predetermined pressure, NIPPV can improve lung mechanics and increase functional residual capacity, thereby enhancing gas exchange and alleviating the distress that patients may experience. This technique is advantageous because it avoids the complications associated with invasive mechanical ventilation, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia or airway trauma, while still providing critical respiratory support.

Other techniques, while useful in their own right, do not directly assist ventilation in the same manner as NIPPV. Manual ventilation bags can be helpful in emergencies but require someone to operate them effectively, making them less reliable in severe distress situations compared to NIPPV. High-flow oxygen administration can improve oxygenation but does not actively assist with ventilation. Chest physiotherapy is beneficial for clearing