| 摘要 |
The present invention is directed to breathing methods and devices, which increase intra-airway pressure, thus causing a positive expiratory pressure PEP which is not airflow dependent. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides methods that utilize a pressure relief valve, preferably a positive end-expiratory pressure PEEP valve, for providing positive expiratory pressure PEP. The PEP is caused by directing the flow of gases exhaled by the patient through the PEEP valve, so that gases must be exhaled against the PEEP valve held closed by threshold pressure. In this way, gases exhaled by the patient are subject to positive exhalation pressure set by the threshold pressure, which in turn increase the pressure in the patient's airway. When the expiratory pressure exceeds the threshold pressure of the valve, the valve opens and air is exhaled. The present invention is further directed to a unique training system, which uses the PEEP valve to increase respiratory muscle strength. More specifically, the present invention provides methods to increase the expiratory airflow rate and endurance of the expiratory muscles in a person by increasing the ability of these muscles to force air out of the lungs. |
