Noninvasive Ventilation for the Treatment of Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Diseases in Children

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV) is a promising therapy for the treatment of acute lower respiratory tract diseases in children. This therapy provides either positive pressure continuously or as bilevel pressure using a nasal mask or nasal-oral mask interface. There is evidence that early treatment with NPPV may improve outcomes and prevent intubation in selected patients. This article reviews the effects of NPPV on the pathophysiology of acute lower respiratory tract disease, evidence on the use of NPPV in acutely ill patients, and challenges and potential complications of the use of NPPV specific to children.