Physiotherapy and intermittent positive-pressure ventilation of chronic bronchitis.

Patients aged over 45 admitted to hospital with exacerbations of chronic bronchitis alone or in association with cor pulmonale, pneumonia, or respiratory failure were placed in one of three groups (men with hypoxia, men without hypoxia, and women). Patients within these groups were then randomly allocated to receive either standard drug treatment alone or standard drug treatment plus intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (IPPV). No significant differences occurred between the controls and patients receiving physiotherapy and IPPV in any group. We conclude that when a patient with chronic bronchitis and respiratory failure is deteriorating emphasis should be on correct diagnosis, fluid electrolyte balance, and nutrition together with oxygen treatment when necessary, rather than on additional physiotherapy.