A hand-held breathing device for use by patients having respiratory
problems creates a sealed backpressure in the airways of the patient by
creating resistance to exhalation. A peep valve is mounted inside a hollow
body, and a pre-set compression spring is mounted between the valve and an
adjustable cap or cam lever in the main body of the device. A pair of
valve openings extend through the wall of the main body, one opening
serving as an intake port for inhaling of air by the patient and the
second port--for exhalation of carbon dioxide. An intake valve is mounted
inside the body between a normally open end of the device and the
exhalation valve. In one of the embodiments, the device is attached to a
nebulizer to facilitate buildup of positive pressure and delivery of
medication to the patients' lungs.
