It is generally regarded, based on animal models and human studies, that volutrauma is the most harmful aspect of mechanical ventilation. This may be regarded as the over-stretching of the airways and alveoli. During mechanical ventilation, the flow of gas into the<unk>  will take the path of least resistance. Areas of the<unk>  that are collapsed (atelectasis) or filled with secretions will be underinflated, while those areas that are relatively normal will be overinflated. These areas will become overdistended and<unk> d. This may be reduced by using smaller tidal volumes. During positive pressure ventilation, atelectatic regions will inflate, however, the alveoli will be unstable and will collapse during the expiratory phase of the breath (atelectotrauma). This repeated alveolar collapse and expansion (RACE) is thought to cause VALI. By opening the<unk>  and keeping the<unk>  open RACE (and VALI) is reduced. Another possible<unk>  is known as biotrauma. Biotrauma involves the<unk>  suffering<unk>  from any mediators of the inflammatory response or from bacteremia. Finally oxygen toxicity contributes to<unk>  through several mechanisms including oxidative stress. Possible reasons for predisposition to VALI include: * An<unk> d<unk>  may be at risk for further<unk>  * Cyclic atelectasis is particularly common in an<unk> d<unk>
Ventilator-associated lung injury
Vaping-associated pulmonary injury
Swimming-induced pulmonary edema
Ventilator-associated pneumonia
Occult pneumonia
Pulmonary-renal syndrome
Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome