Praxis
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is rather common. It is nearly always associated with excessive smoking. ⋯ This review addresses nonpharmacological treatment of these episodes of acute decompensation. The value of mechanical ventilation is discussed in view of two recent advances: noninvasive ventilation by face or nose mask as alternative to tracheal intubation and improved notions about the pathogenesis of fluids and salt retention as causes of occasionally occurring edema.