Abstract
Respiratory failure from severe asthma is a potentially reversible,
life-threatening condition. Poor outcome in this setting is frequently a
result of the development of gas-trapping. This condition can arise in
any mechanically ventilated patient, but those with severe airflow
limitation have a predisposition. It is important that clinicians
managing these types of patients understand that the use of mechanical
ventilation can lead to or worsen gas-trapping. In this review we
discuss the development of this complication during mechanical
ventilation, techniques to measure it and strategies to limit its
severity. We hope that by understanding such concepts clinicians will be
able to reduce further the poor outcomes occasionally related to severe
asthma.
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