Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become the fourth most frequent cause of death in the European Union and in 2020 it may reach the third place. The treatment cost amounts to EUR 38.6 billion a year.
In the cases when conservative and oxygen therapy do not achieve a sufficient effect and progressive respiratory failure appears, it is necessary to decide about the respiratory support and its form in a timely manner. The mechanical ventilation strategy can be divided into non-invasive and invasive.
Non-invasive ventilation is recommended as the first choice in acute exacerbation of COPD. The weaning of a patient from the ventilator can be a very difficult and long-term process.
The best method, however, has been a theme of discussions for a long time. This article offers a selection from a large number of publications, experiences and therapeutic options specialised in the ventilatory strategy when treating COPD that has progressed into respiratory failure.