Peak pressure is defined as the pressure applied to deliver the necessary tidal volume to the lungs during inspiration whereas plateau pressure is defined as the pressure given to the minute airways and alveoli of the lungs during the positive pressure mechanical ventilation. IMPORTANCE OF MONITORING PEAK AND PLATEAU PRESSURE DURING VENTILATION 1. Monitoring both the peak pressure and plateau pressure in mechanical ventilation is important to avoid complications like barotrauma. Barotrauma is the damage to lung tissues due to increased pressure inside the lungs. 2. If peak pressure is increased with normal plateau pressure it indicates the airway obstruction (e.g. in bronchospasm). 3. If both the peak and plateau pressure are high then this indicates poor lung compliance. That is why it's important to monitor both peak and plateau pressures.