Palliation of Dyspnea with Mouthpiece Ventilation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background: Mouthpiece ventilation (MPV) reduces hypoventilation, but its efficacy in relieving dyspnea in patients with acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation (AECOPD) is unclear. Objective: To assess the feasibility of MPV in relieving dyspnea among patients with AECOPD. Methods: In this prospective single-arm pilot study, the change in dyspnea on numeric rating scale (NRS) after using MPV and side effects of the treatment were studied in 18 patients with AECOPD. Results: The median decrease in dyspnea was 1.5 (95% confidence interval = 0.0–2.5, p = 0.006) on NRS after the intervention lasting a median of 16.9 minutes. Of the patients, 61% found MPV beneficial. The use of MPV did not increase the sense of anxiety or pain. Conclusions: MPV is feasible and may relieve dyspnea in patients with AECOPD, but the intervention needs further evaluation.