Noninvasive ventilation in critically ill patients.

Since its first application in the late 1980s, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been the first-line intervention for certain forms of acute respiratory failure. NIV may be delivered through the patient's mouth, nose, or both using noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure. When applied appropriately, NIV may reduce morbidity and mortality and may avert iatrogenic complications and infections associated with invasive mechanical ventilation. This article provides physicians and respiratory therapists with a comprehensive, practical guideline for using NIV in critical care.