Invasive to Noninvasive Ventilation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Abstract

Patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may require endotracheal intubation and ventilatory support. But intubation and mechanical ventilation is fraught with dangers. Potential disasters like pneumothorax and hypotension can occur. Also these patients may require long term ventilatory support [1] with associated complications of ventilator associated pneumonia and tracheo-esophageal fistula. Noninvasive ventilation with orofacial or nasal mask avoids the need for endotracheal intubation and reduces the risk of complications associated with mechanical ventilation. Several investigators have studied the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD [2, 3]. We present a case that was successfully managed and weaned off early from ventilator using noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.