Answer :

Final answer:

Positive pressure ventilation can lead to increased airway resistance and difficulty in breathing.

Explanation:

Positive pressure ventilation can have negative side effects on the respiratory system. One of the main negative side effects is increased airway resistance, which can lead to difficulty in breathing. When positive pressure is applied to the lungs, it increases the volume and pressure inside the lungs. This results in the intrapleural pressure being less negative, causing breathing to become more difficult.

This leads to reduced ventilation while perfusion remains unaffected, causing an imbalance in the ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) ratio and ultimately impairing gas exchange. Increased airway resistance from conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis can make the lung less compliant. As a result, the intrapleural pressure turns less negative, and patients may experience airway collapse upon exhalation, trapping air in the lungs and reducing their ability to exhale air efficiently.