Avoiding excessive ventilation helps to prevent what complication?

Avoiding excessive ventilation is crucial in preventing gastric inflation. When too much air is delivered into the lungs during rescue breathing or ventilation, it can lead to air being forced into the stomach instead of the lungs. This occurs because the pressure created by excessive ventilation can exceed the normal anatomical barriers that typically keep air from entering the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastric inflation can lead to a range of complications, including increased intrathoracic pressure, which can hinder effective chest compressions and diminish the overall effectiveness of resuscitation efforts. It can also increase the risk of aspiration and complicate further management of the patient’s airway. Therefore, adhering to recommended ventilation rates and volumes is essential to minimizing this risk and ensuring effective air exchange within the lungs.