respiratory

High Peak vs High Plateau Pressure

Ventilator Alarms

High Peak vs High Plateau Pressure
Feature	High Peak + Normal Plateau	High Peak + High Plateau
Mechanism
Mechanism	Resistance problem (peak - plateau gap >10 cmH₂O)	Compliance problem
Common Causes	Secretions/bronchospasm/kinked tube/bite	New pneumothorax/worsening ARDS/mucus plug with consolidation/right main bronchus intubation
Management	Suction/bronchodilators/check tube	Treat underlying cause (chest tube/reposition ETT/proning)

Comparing: High Peak + Normal Plateau

Resistance problem (peak - plateau gap >10 cmH₂O)

Secretions/bronchospasm/kinked tube/bite

Suction/bronchodilators/check tube

For healthcare-professional education. Clinical decisions require patient-specific assessment and local protocols.