BMJ  2006;333:138-140 (15 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.333.7559.138

Practice

ABC of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Ventilatory support

Gordon Christie, consultant, Graeme P Currie, specialist registrar

Respiratory Unit, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen.

Paul Plant, consultant

department of respiratory medicine, St James University Hospital, Leeds.

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The introduction and widespread use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has revolutionised the management and survival of patients with an acidotic exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Indeed, it is difficult to justify admitting patients with an exacerbation of COPD to hospitals where NIV is not readily available. A close fitting facemask or nose mask connected to a portable ventilator facilitates a non-invasive method of providing respiratory support to a spontaneously breathing patient. The mask can be removed easily, allowing patients to communicate, eat, drink, and take nebulised and oral drugs.


Figure Removed (Available Only in the Full Text)
 Non-invasive ventilation can be given using a full facemask or nose mask

 

NIV provides a two level form of respiratory support, supplying inspiratory and expiratory positive airways pressure.


Figure Removed (Available Only in the Full Text)
 Non-invasive ventilation can be used in hospital wards and in high dependency and intensive care units

 

Inspiratory positive airways pressure, which is usually titrated up to 15-20 cm H2O, . . . [Full text of this article]


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Relevant Article

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation to treat respiratory failure resulting from exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis
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BMJ 2003 326: 185. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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