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Noninvasive ventilation in acute exacerbations of COPD

CORRESPONDENCE: M. W. Elliott, St James's University Hospital, Consultant Respiratory Physician, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK. Fax: 44 1132066042. E-mail: mwelliott@doctors.org.uk

Noninvasive ventilation has been a major advance in the management of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, reducing the need for endotracheal intubation, thereby reducing complications and hospital costs, as well as improving survival. It has been used in a variety of different clinical environments including the emergency room, on general wards, in intermediate respiratory care units and in the intensive care unit. It should now be regarded as part of standard therapy for patients who continue to have a respiratory acidosis after standard medical therapy.

KEYWORDS: Acute exacerbation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, noninvasive ventilation, obstructive lung disease, positive pressure ventilation, respiratory failure