Abstract
High-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) is a unique system that delivers humidified, heated oxygen-enriched air via nasal cannula at high flow rates. It is a promising therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Several studies have examined the physiologic effects of this therapy in the patient population and have revealed that it improves mucociliary clearance, reduces nasopharyngeal dead space, and subsequently increases CO2 washout. It also improves alveolar recruitment and gas exchange. These mechanisms may explain the promising results observed in recently published studies that examined the role of HFNT in stable COPD patients.
Highlights
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in the United States and worldwide
We review the available evidence for using High-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) in stable COPD patients and focus on the mechanisms that may explain some of the promising results
Based on the available evidence, future studies should further investigate the role of HFNT in stable COPD patients to definitively determine the effect of this therapy on hospitalization and exacerbation rates
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in the United States and worldwide. Despite the aggressive use of these agents in advanced COPD, many patients still fail to achieve adequate symptom control, improve airflow limitations, or reduce the risk of exacerbation. This has prompted a search for new treatment modalities that may help improve patients’ quality of life and reduce COPD morbidity and mortality. Both long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) have been studied and are indicated in certain subgroups of COPD patients. We review the available evidence for using HFNT in stable COPD patients and focus on the mechanisms that may explain some of the promising results
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