Adult domiciliary oxygen therapy. Position statement of the thoracic society of Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a stable daytime PaO2 of < or = 55 mmHg (7.3 kPa) live longer and have a better quality of life if provided with long-term continuous oxygen therapy. It is reasonable to offer continuous oxygen therapy also to patients with other lung diseases that cause chronic hypoxaemia. Indications for supplemental oxygen therapy during exercise (ambulatory oxygen therapy) and sleep (nocturnal oxygen therapy) are less clear.