Pulmonary Function Measurement in Noninvasive Ventilatory Support

Abstract

It is essential to investigate pulmonary function measurements in the management of patients with respiratory conditions or diseases. The measurements help in diagnosis, monitoring response to treatment, and can provide assistance in guiding clinical decisions. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is commonly used for respiratory failure. Delay in assessing and monitoring NIV failure can lead to fatal outcomes. Therefore, pulmonary function tests are crucial in monitoring lack of responsiveness to NIV, respiratory failure progression, or complications related to either underlying pathology or machine. Patient-ventilator synchrony is an important issue affected by machine performance and its interface and patient characteristics. Accurate recognition and management for asynchrony require proper bedside assessment of ventilator graphics and a patient’s clinical observation.