Hi Dr. XXXXXX. My dad is recovering from pneumonia. He is 95 years old, no heart problems and was hospitalized. No intubation was done in ICU and he was released to his home. His blood count and pressure is normal, he can eat and is breathing on his own. The question is about a CPAP machine to help him with his respiration and oxygen levels. Is a CPAP useful to maintain a positive air flow or is just for people with sleep apnea? Thank you, Alejandro
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. Initially CPAP was used only in cases of sleep apnea. But nowadays due to large patient centric trials, indications of CPAP are many besides sleep apnea. It is now treatment of choice for heart failure and COPD patients to maintain proper oxygenation. The indication in pneumonia is there but only in hemodynamically stable patient. And only in ICU (intensive care unit) facility where close observation is possible and if needed invasive ventilation is possible. So if patient of pneumonia is alert and maintaining good blood pressure and other vitals than he/she can be given CPAP for positive air flow to improve oxygenation, but only under close observation in an ICU setting.