| continuous positive airway pressure | A technique of respiratory therapy, in either spontaneously breathing or mechanically ventilated patients, in which airway pressure is maintained above atmospheric pressure throughout the respiratory cycle by pressurization of the ventilatory circuit. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| upper airway | The portion of the respiratory tract that extends from the nares or mouth to and including the larynx. (05 Mar 2000) |
| lower airway | The portion of the respiratory tract that extends from the subglottis to and including the terminal bronchioles. (05 Mar 2000) |