In the surgical intensive care unit, intensivists are bound to encounter chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) patients with pathophysiology similar to acute exacerbation of COPD. The most important factor underlying respiratory deterioration is dynamic hyperinflation. In this review, the consequences of dynamic hyperinflation and methods to treat acute exacerbation of COPD is discussed. (J Surg Crit Care 2012;2:49-52)
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