Abstract |
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [ COPD] breath at large lung volumes because of dynamic hyperinflation. Their end-tidal lung volumes will then be much above the equilibrium position of the respiratory system and the elastic recoil pressure would be above zero at end-tidal exhalation. This auto or intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure [ auto-PEEP] contributes to the elastic work of inspiration and the sensation of dyspnoea. The purpose of this study was to offset the auto-PEEP in patients with exacerbated chronic airflow obstruction by applying continuous positive airway pressure via the nose [nasal-CPAP]. Nine out of 14 patients experienced alleviation of dyspnoea while on nasal-CPAP [4 to 8 cmH2O]. These 9 patients had significantly more severe hyperinflation than the 5 patients who did not respond positively to nasal-CPAP. While there is a complex relationship between intrinsic and extrinsically applied PEEP in patients with COPD, the result of this study is consistent with the notion that CPAP may alleviate dyspnoea by reducing auto-PEEP, improving lung mechanics and unloading the inspiratory muscles. Nasal-CPAP may have a potential therapeutic role in exacerbations of COPD.
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Authors | T K Lim |
Journal | Singapore medical journal
(Singapore Med J)
Vol. 31
Issue 3
Pg. 233-7
(Jun 1990)
ISSN: 0037-5675 [Print] India |
PMID | 2203147
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Dyspnea
(physiopathology, therapy)
- Female
- Humans
- Lung Diseases, Obstructive
(physiopathology, therapy)
- Lung Volume Measurements
- Male
- Masks
- Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
- Nose
- Positive-Pressure Respiration
- Respiratory Mechanics
(physiology)
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