What is an effect of PEEP on the work of breathing?

PEEP, or Positive End-Expiratory Pressure, plays a crucial role in mechanical ventilation by improving lung mechanics and oxygenation. When PEEP is applied, it helps to keep the alveoli open at the end of expiration, which can enhance gas exchange and improve lung compliance. This reduction in recruitment of collapsed lung units lowers the resistance the respiratory muscles face, effectively decreasing the overall work of breathing.

By maintaining a higher end-expiratory lung volume, PEEP reduces the need for the patient to expend effort to inflate previously collapsed alveoli during inhalation. This results in improved tidal volumes for less effort and can lead to a more stabilized breathing pattern. Consequently, the work of breathing is not only reduced but may lead to improved patient comfort and tolerance during mechanical ventilation.

While some may argue that higher levels of PEEP could potentially increase the work of breathing in specific situations, such as in patients with significant respiratory system compliance issues, the overall effect of appropriate levels of PEEP is to alleviate the work required for breathing.