Why is continuous low-flow oxygen therapy necessary?

Under normal circumstances, continuous low-flow oxygen therapy is required to maintain respiratory center stability, prevent oxygen toxicity, improve hypoxia and protect organs, adapt to chronic hypoxic states, and reduce carbon dioxide retention. The specific reasons are as follows:

1. Maintain Respiratory Center Stability

In some patients with chronic respiratory diseases, the respiratory center relies on low oxygen levels to stimulate its activity. If the oxygen flow rate is too high, a rapid increase in blood oxygen concentration may suppress the respiratory center, leading to shallow and slow breathing, which can paradoxically worsen hypoxia. Therefore, continuous low-flow oxygen therapy is necessary to maintain normal respiratory center function.

2. Prevent Oxygen Toxicity

Long-term administration of high-concentration oxygen increases the production of reactive oxygen species in the body. These free radicals can damage lung tissue, leading to pulmonary fibrosis, reduced lung function, and other manifestations of oxygen toxicity. Continuous low-flow oxygen therapy keeps oxygen concentration within a safe range, reduces the generation of free radicals, and helps prevent oxygen toxicity.

3. Improve Hypoxia and Protect Organs

Continuous low-flow oxygen therapy gradually increases blood oxygen saturation, providing a stable oxygen supply to vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, thereby alleviating organ dysfunction caused by hypoxia. Sudden high-flow oxygen administration may disrupt metabolic balance and adversely affect organ function.

4. Adapt to Chronic Hypoxic State

Patients with chronic hypoxia have gradually adapted their bodies to a low-oxygen environment. A sudden increase in oxygen flow may cause the body to fail to adjust quickly to changes in blood oxygen levels, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness and palpitations. Continuous low-flow oxygen allows the body to gradually adapt to changing oxygen levels, steadily improving hypoxia.

5. Reduce Carbon Dioxide Retention

In some patients with respiratory insufficiency, high-concentration oxygen can suppress respiratory drive, impairing carbon dioxide elimination and worsening CO₂ retention, potentially leading to respiratory acidosis. Continuous low-flow oxygen therapy improves hypoxia while maintaining a normal respiratory rate, facilitating effective CO₂ removal and reducing the risk of retention.

In addition, during continuous low-flow oxygen therapy, blood oxygen saturation should be monitored regularly, and the oxygen flow rate adjusted according to the patient's condition. If symptoms such as worsening dyspnea or altered consciousness occur, prompt medical attention is required.