Airflow obstruction develops when the airway diameter is narrowed by bronchospasm, mucosal or interstitial edema, and mucus, causing dynamic airway collapse during exhalation. Pathophysiology of COPD Severe airflow obstruction that imposes a significant load on the respiratory system is a major manifestation of COPD. While noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV) is now considered the first choice for the treatment of selected patients experiencing COPD exacerbations, there are some patients for whom NPPV may not be suitable due to the severity of their conditions. 1 Ventilatory support of the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) differs greatly from that of the ARDS patient and remains a challenge.

The challenge of mechanically ventilating a patient with COPD can be met by preventing autoPEEP and dynamic hyperinflation.ĭuring the past 10 years, much of the focus in mechanical ventilation has been on preventing ventilator-induced lung injury and on optimizing care for patients with the preventing ventilator-induced lung injury and on optimizing care for patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Emphysema dead space ventilation