Long term oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation for patients with COPD

Non-drug treatments such as long term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) are thought important for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is reported that LTOT can improve the prognosis of patients with COPD, particularly who have severe respiratory failure. NPPV attracted attention to avoid endotracheal intubation and high efficacy in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. In chronic phase of COPD, NPPV may improve the quality of life in patients with hypercapnia, selected carefully.