Domiciliary oxygen therapy

Patients with advanced COPD can develop significant hypoxaemia, and can benefit from treatment with long-term continuous domiciliary oxygen therapy (usually delivered by a concentrator).

In patients with advanced COPD and an arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO₂) of 90% or less, assessment for domiciliary oxygen therapy may appropriate. Arterial blood gas analysis on room air is required to determine eligibility for domiciliary oxygen therapy; see Long-term continuous oxygen therapy for indications for domiciliary oxygen therapy based on arterial blood gas results. Assess patients while COPD is stable, and not within 4 weeks of an exacerbation (when gas exchange may deteriorate).

For general information about domiciliary oxygen therapy, including delivery, monitoring, precautions and access, see Domiciliary oxygen therapy.