Which method of ventilation is primarily used in the treatment of critically ill patients with respiratory distress and can prevent the need for endotracheal intubation?

The method of ventilation that is primarily used in the treatment of critically ill patients with respiratory distress, which can also prevent the need for endotracheal intubation, is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP delivers a continuous stream of positive pressure to keep the airways open during both inhalation and exhalation, which is especially beneficial for patients suffering from conditions like congestive heart failure or obstructive sleep apnea.

By maintaining this pressure, CPAP helps improve oxygenation and supports the patient's effort to breathe, reducing the work of breathing and minimizing the risk of respiratory failure that might necessitate intubation. This method can be effectively used in a variety of clinical settings, allowing for easier management of patients with acute respiratory distress without resorting to invasive measures whenever possible.

In contrast, BiPAP also provides non-invasive ventilation but is designed to offer different levels of pressure for inhalation and exhalation, making it suitable for cases that require more complex respiratory support. Oxygen therapy is critical for treating hypoxia but does not provide the ventilatory support that patients in respiratory distress often require. Mechanical ventilation is an invasive procedure that involves intubation, which is typically used for patients who are unable to maintain their own airway