In mechanical ventilation, what conclusion can be drawn if peak inspiratory pressure increases but plateau pressure remains constant?

When peak inspiratory pressure increases while plateau pressure remains constant, it indicates that the resistance in the airways is likely increasing. In mechanical ventilation, peak inspiratory pressure reflects the total pressure needed to deliver gas through the airways and into the lungs, while plateau pressure measures the pressure in the alveoli during a brief pause in airflow, providing insight into lung compliance.

Since plateau pressure remains unchanged, this suggests that the lung compliance is stable; hence, it is not a sign of any changes in the lung tissue itself. However, the increase in peak inspiratory pressure suggests that more pressure is required to overcome increased resistance, likely due to factors such as bronchospasm, secretions, or narrowing of the airways.

Therefore, the situation clearly points to an increase in airways resistance, as the system requires additional pressure to maintain the same volume of air movement despite the plateau pressure being consistent. This aligns with the principles of mechanical ventilation and respiratory mechanics, making this conclusion a logical inference in the context provided.