What is one of the medical conditions that CPAP helps treat?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a therapeutic modality primarily used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is characterized by repeated episodes of airway obstruction during sleep, which can lead to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygenation. CPAP works by delivering a constant flow of air through a mask that keeps the airway open, preventing the collapses that characterize this condition. By maintaining this positive pressure, CPAP helps ensure consistent airflow, reduces apnea events, and improves overall sleep quality and oxygen levels in the blood.

While other conditions like pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may involve airway issues or obstructive components, they are not specifically treated with CPAP in the same manner as obstructive sleep apnea. Treatments for these conditions vary and may include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and other respiratory therapies, but they do not utilize the continuous positive pressure that CPAP provides in the context of sleep apnea.