Peak inspiratory pressure

Peak inspiratory pressure (P_IP) is the highest level of pressure applied to the lungs during inhalation. In mechanical ventilation the number reflects a positive pressure in centimeters of water pressure (cm H₂O). In normal breathing, it may sometimes be referred to as the maximal inspiratory pressure (M_IPO), which is a negative value.

Peak inspiratory pressure increases with any airway resistance. Factors that may increase P_IP include increased secretions, bronchospasm, biting down on ventilation tubing, and decreased lung compliance. P_IP should never be chronically higher than 40 cm H₂O unless the patient has acute respiratory distress syndrome.

See also

• Static compliance
• Dynamic compliance