Should patients with COPD really receive oxygen therapy?
Nov 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
COPD usually refers to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Generally, whether patients with COPD require oxygen therapy depends on the severity of their condition. If the condition is mild, oxygen therapy is typically not needed; however, if the condition is severe, oxygen therapy becomes necessary. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a qualified hospital.
COPD usually refers to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Generally speaking, whether COPD patients should receive oxygen therapy depends on the severity of their condition. If the condition of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient is mild, oxygen therapy typically is not needed; however, if the patient's condition is severe, oxygen therapy becomes necessary. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a qualified hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the condition of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient is mild, and symptoms such as significant dyspnea or chest tightness have not yet appeared, with normal blood gas analysis results and no accompanying hypoxemia, oxygen therapy usually is not required. Patients can control their condition and improve respiratory function through regular exercise and medication.
If the patient's condition is severe, with frequent episodes of dyspnea, chest tightness, and other symptoms, and blood gas analysis results indicate hypoxemia, oxygen therapy is necessary. Oxygen therapy can effectively increase blood oxygen saturation, alleviate discomfort symptoms, help delay disease progression, and reduce the risk of complications.
During periods of smoking, attention should be paid to developing good living habits, keeping the respiratory tract moist, and avoiding infections caused by dryness of the respiratory mucosa.
