ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) on the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) combined with lung injury [acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)] in emergency treatment. MethodsFifty-six patients with SAP combined with ALI/ARDS treated between January 2013 and March 2015 were included in our study. Twenty-eight patients who underwent NPPV were designated as the treatment group, while the other 28 patients who did not undergo NPPV were regarded as the control group. Then, we observed patients' blood gas indexes before and three days after treatment. The hospital stay and mortality rate of the two groups were also compared. ResultsBefore treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of pH value and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) (P>0.05). Three days after treatment, blood pH value of the treatment group and the control group was 7.41±0.07 and 7.34±0.04, respectively, with a significant difference (P＜0.05); the PaO2 value was respectively (60.60±5.11) and (48.40±3.57) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa), also with a significant difference (P＜0.05). The hospital stay of the treatment group and the control group was (18.22±3.07) and (23.47±3.55) days with a significant difference (P＜0.05); and the six-month mortality was 17% and 32% in the two groups without any significant difference (P>0.05). ConclusionIt is effective to treat patients with severe acute pancreatitis combined with acute lung injury in emergency by noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.