Is It Essential to Consider Respiratory Dynamics?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is marked by a fixed obstruction of the airway, is a progressive disease including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. According to data from the fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey, the prevalence of COPD is 13.4% in South Korea [1]. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission is required in more than 25% of patients with COPD [2]. ICU stays of patients with lung hyperinflation are longer compared to patients without lung hyperinflation [3].