The role of non-invasive ventilation in the treatment of COPD

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may have trouble breathing properly. When you breathe in, your lungs may not absorb enough oxygen (O₂), and when you breathe out, you may have trouble getting rid of the waste gas, carbon dioxide (CO₂).

If you were in hospital, your doctor may have prescribed ventilation. This is to help your lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide more efficiently. Your doctor may also decide that you need to keep on using ventilation at home if you have:

• Breathlessness
• Daytime sleepiness
• Low levels of oxygen or high levels of carbon dioxide in your blood.

The most preferred type of ventilation in hospital and at home is non-invasive ventilation.

With non-invasive ventilation, you wear a mask that is attached via an air tube to a portable ventilator. You may be prescribed ventilation for use during sleep and during the day.