Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in COPD Exacerbation—A Brief Report

Optimizing medical management is recommended in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. When standard medical therapy alone is inadequate to relieve acute symptoms, ventilator support may be needed. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is a device that provides ventilation support for select group of patients during COPD exacerbation based on criteria developed and supported from both randomized and nonrandomized control trials. NIPPV has been demonstrated to be of benefit in COPD exacerbation management, especially when used early before patient decompensation. This treatment option may be the difference between invasive endotracheal intubation and intensive care unit admission. For best outcomes, adhering to recommended and evidence-based care standards is very important when NIPPV is used.