Long-term home oxygen therapy improves survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and persistent, severe hypoxaemia. It is uncertain that this benefit extends to patients with other chronic lung diseases. Oxygen is a treatment for hypoxaemia, not breathlessness. To confirm hypoxaemia, blood gas analysis is recommended before prescribing oxygen. There is limited and conflicting evidence that portable oxygen for exertional use is of benefit to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who do not have severe hypoxaemia. Laboratory studies show improvements in exercise capacity and dyspnoea, but these do not translate into significant benefits in the home setting. Patients should be educated regarding the expected benefits, risks and burdens of home oxygen therapy. It is particularly important that the patient does not smoke.
Keywords: blood gas analysis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; oxygen inhalation therapy.
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