Advances in Oxygen Therapy for COPD Management

Oxygen therapy has been a cornerstone in treating COPD for over six decades. Throughout this time, extensive research has highlighted both its benefits and risks. At its core, oxygen therapy involves administering air enriched with oxygen to improve breathing. For exertion-related COPD, oxygen is used during physical activity to boost endurance and exercise performance, helping patients preserve or enhance their fitness levels. Long-term oxygen therapy is vital for individuals experiencing persistent low blood oxygen levels, known as chronic hypoxemia, which can lead to serious complications.

Consistent oxygen treatment significantly improves quality of life and survival rates. It alleviates shortness of breath and helps prevent right-sided heart failure, a common consequence of COPD. Oxygen can be administered via concentrators, liquid oxygen, or traditional cylinders, tailored to patient needs. However, home oxygen use requires caution, as even slight oxygen enrichment (around 28%) can pose fire hazards due to spontaneous combustion risks. Portable systems suitable for travel are available for convenience.

Research indicates that continual long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) enhances longevity and well-being. Patients are advised to wear oxygen for at least 15 hours daily, maintaining blood oxygen saturation between 88% and 92%. Using pulse oximetry helps titrate oxygen flow precisely, typically through nasal prongs at 2-3 L/min, or via masks delivering 25-28% oxygen concentration. During COPD exacerbations, administering bronchodilators with 6 L/min flow demonstrates better outcomes, with close monitoring for CO2 retention and other complications.