Noninvasive Ventilation in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Illness

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for pediatric acute respiratory illness reduces work of breathing, improves ventilation, and potentially avoids complications associated with endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Modalities of NIV include continuous positive airway pressure and bilevel positive airway pressure, which have been used in a range of pediatric diseases. In addition, high-flow nasal cannula is a newer modality that is increasingly used in pediatric patients. This article describes the properties of different modalities of NIV and reviews the medical literature regarding use of NIV in pediatric patients with acute respiratory illness.