Successful weaning using noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in a patient with status asthmaticus.

In the treatment of severe asthma attack, acute application of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation is shown to be beneficial in some selected patients, while endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation is required in the remaining cases. Management with invasive ventilation in status asthmaticus is often associated with complications such as excessive mucus production and atelectasis, which may lead to prolonged hypoxemia and may increase mortality. We present a case of status asthmaticus who developed refractory atelectasis during invasive mechanical ventilation but had a dramatic resolution as well as successful weaning when non-invasive positive pressure ventilation was instituted.