Two ways to help breathing machines work better for lung disease

This trial compares two different ways of controlling a breathing machine (ventilator) for patients hospitalized with severe asthma or COPD flare-ups. Researchers want to test whether a newer method called flow-controlled ventilation works better than the standard volume-controlled method at reducing complications like collapsed lung and pressure injury.

Patients with severe asthma or COPD exacerbations who need breathing machines have high rates of serious complications and death. The new treatment method may reduce harmful pressure buildup in the lungs and prevent life-threatening complications better than current standard care.