Influence of noninvasive ventilation on clinical status, dyspnea sensation and subsequent copd diagnosis

Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is a common life-threatening disease characterized by exposure to tobacco smoke, dyspnea and persistent lower airway obstruction coexistence of COPD and chronic heart failure (HF) may present a considerable challenge during both diagnostic and therapeutic processes. Herein, we report an elderly, obese male, an ex-smoker, suffering from both COPD and HF, and treated according to the applied guidelines for 15 years. On admission to hospital, the patient was diagnosed and treated for severe type 2 respiratory failure. The patient's COPD diagnosis was questioned at first, but then reconsidered after treatment described below. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) improved the patient's clinical condition and reduced his dyspnea sensation. As a consequence, during check-ups, spirometry maneuvers could have been performed properly, revealing the underlying bronchial obstruction, which had been beforehand concealed by debilitation of respiratory muscles and decreased lung tissue compliance in a patient with chronic HF. Conclusion: NIV application in a patient with type 2 respiratory failure may significantly improve one's clinical condition, reduce dyspnea sensation and help establish an accurate diagnosis.