Description
Non-invasive ventilation is a method of ventilating patients
using a facial or nasal mask, which can be used in the ICU,
ward or Accident and Emergency environment. For patients with
acute exacerbations of COPD associated with decompensated
chronic respiratory failure (pH< 7.35 and PaCO2
>6kPa), NIV reduces both the risk of intubation and morality.
However wherever NIV is administered patients must be adequately
monitored and intubation should be readily available for those
who deteriorate on NIV.
