Intermittent positive pressure breathing and the treatment of acute asthma.

Whether or not intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) is beneficial in the treatment of asthma has been controversial for 30 years. IPPB is expensive and has been associated with pulmonary infection, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and death. The exact factors involved in the observed effectiveness of IPPB remain undetermined. With evidence from a literature review, it is concluded that in cases of severe asthma failing to respond to other methods of beta-agonist inhalation, there is sufficient evidence for the use of IPPB.