The influence of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) on the delicate balance between increased load and decreased capacity of the respiratory system in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The influence of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) on the delicate balance between increased load and decreased capacity of the respiratory system in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The radiography image is reproduced from Radiology Assistant (www.radiologyassistant.nl) with permission. Marieke L. Duiverman ERJ Open Res 2018;4:00012-2018 ©2018 by European Respiratory Society