Vibrating Mesh Nebulization of β 2 Agonists and Anticholinergics Via High-Flow Nasal Cannula during COPD Exacerbation: Case Series

Abstract

It is estimated that more than 2.3 million Argentineans suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with a high rate of underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. Pharmacological treatment with bronchodilators (BD) is the primary treatment and in cases of severe exacerbation the use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) is recommended with a high level of evidence in patients with hypercapnia. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been postulated as an alternative to NIV in case of intolerance to interfaces or as a rest period bridge during times without NIV. HFNC is increasingly being used in patients with exacerbated COPD as an alternative to conventional oxygen therapy ( COT) and even as combined therapy in patients with NIV. Therefore, the administration of BD through HFNC may be relevant for the treatment of patients with exacerbated COPD.