Does an elderly patient with chronic bronchitis and emphysema need a home ventilator?

Whether an elderly patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema needs to use a ventilator depends on the severity of the condition and whether there is difficulty in breathing. If the patient's breathing is normal, a home ventilator is generally not required. However, if normal respiration is affected, using a ventilator can help improve breathing. It is recommended that the patient actively take cough-suppressing, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed and on schedule for treatment.