Breathing Beyond Barriers: The Art, Science, and Surprises of NIV & LTOT in Obstructive Airway Diseases
Years ago, in a dim ICU, I witnessed a patient turn the tide of acute respiratory failure with an oronasal NIV interface — a vignette forever shaping my practice and curiosity. Since then, the evolution from primitive positive airways to today's nuanced, evidence-backed NIV and LTOT interventions remains nothing short of remarkable — and occasionally, confounding. What really matters in modern practice: the guideline, the device, the patient's story, or the artful judgment of the clinician? Let's breathe new life into this conversation, challenge dogma, and bridge gaps between science, devices, and real human decisions. Clinical Applications: Where Science Meets Bedside (and Sometimes Fails) When I think about the clinical applications of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) in obstructive airway diseases, I’m reminded that the i...