Pulmonary encephalopathy has the potential for recovery if it is treated promptly and no irreversible brain damage has developed. Pulmonary encephalopathy, which is mainly caused by hypoxia and carbon dioxide retention, is a neuropsychiatric disorder syndrome, and the principles of treatment are prompt treatment, improvement of ventilation, and correction of hypoxia in order to avoid serious consequences. Through active treatment, the patient’s respiratory failure is improved and recovery from pulmonary encephalopathy is possible. However, it is also necessary to note that some severe pulmonary encephalopathy may lead to brain herniation, or untimely treatment, hypoxia, carbon dioxide retention and brain tissue damage will form a vicious circle, accelerating the progress of the disease. In addition, the prognosis of pulmonary encephalopathy is related to the primary lung disease and the functional status of the lungs, and some patients may have sequelae such as unresponsiveness, impaired consciousness, mania and depression. It is recommended that patients with pulmonary encephalopathy should consult a doctor in time to find out the cause and standardize the treatment under the doctor’s guidance.