Is oxygen therapy required for interstitial pneumonia with whitening of the lungs?

Generally, oxygen therapy is required for patients with interstitial pneumonia when the lungs show significant whitening and are accompanied by obvious symptoms of hypoxia. If there is no sign of hypoxia or the condition is mild, oxygen therapy is unnecessary. If any abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:

When there is a large whitened area in the lungs, and symptoms such as rapid breathing, cyanosis of the lips, and decreased blood oxygen saturation appear, it indicates impaired gas exchange function in the lungs and significant oxygen deficiency in the body. At this time, oxygen therapy can improve oxygen supply, alleviate discomfort, and the oxygen flow rate should be adjusted under a doctor's guidance.

If the lung's whitened area is small, the patient's breathing is stable, there is no chest tightness or shortness of breath, and blood oxygen levels are normal, oxygen therapy is not necessary. In such cases, lung function is still sufficient to maintain normal oxygen supply. Unnecessary oxygen therapy may interfere with the body's natural regulatory mechanisms and could be detrimental to disease stability.

Patients with interstitial pneumonia should regularly monitor their blood oxygen levels and lung condition. The decision to administer oxygen therapy must strictly follow professional medical judgment. Self-administration of oxygen therapy should be avoided to prevent interference with treatment outcomes.