ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of different nebulization methods in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) requiring non-invasive ventilators (NIV). MethodsOne hundred and two patients with AECOPD were selected according to the standard, and randomly divided into a control group, a trial group I, and a trial group II according to the random number table. The patients in the control group received NIV intermittent oxygen-driven nebulization; the patients in the trial group I received NIV simultaneous oxygen-driven nebulization; and the patients in the trial group II received NIV simultaneous air-driven nebulization. The dynamic fluctuations of transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PtCO2), arterial blood gas indexes (PaCO2, PaO2, pH), vital signs and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) fluctuations were compared. ResultsPtCO2 at 15min of nebulization in the trial group II were lower than the other groups (P<0.05). PtCO2 at 15min of nebulization was higher than the other time points in the control group (P<0.05); there was no statistical difference of PtCO2 at different time points in the trial group I (P>0.05); PtCO2 gradually decreased with time in the trial group II (P<0.05). The difference before and after nebulization of PtCO2 (dPtCO2) was larger in trial group II than the other groups (P<0.05). PtCO2 at 0min and 5min after the end of nebulization in trial group II were lower than the other groups (P<0.05); there were no statistical differences of PtCO2 at 10min and 15min after the end of nebulization among three groups (P>0.05). There were statistical differences of the PtCO2 at each time point in the control group except for the PtCO2 at 10 min and 15min after the end of nebulization, all of which decreased with time; PtCO2 at each time points of nebulization decreased with time in the trial group I (P<0.05). PtCO2 only at 5min after the end of nebulization was lower than that at 0min after the end of nebulization in trial group II (P< 0.05), there were no statistical differences in other times (P>0.05). PaCO2, pH at the 4th day of treatment was lower than the pre-treatment in the control group (P<0.01); there were statistical differences of PaCO2 between the pre-treatment and the rest time points in the trial group I and group II (P<0.05). The number of abnormal fluctuations in vital signs and SpO2 during nebulization in three groups was not statistically different (P>0.05). ConclusionsThree groups can achieve good therapeutic effects. NIV intermittent oxygen-driven nebulization can make PtCO2 rise during nebulization; NIV simultaneous oxygen-driven nebulization can make PtCO2 remain stable during nebulization; NIV simultaneous air-driven nebulization can make PtCO2 fall during nebulization.