INDICATIONS FOR OXYGEN THERAPY
Oxygen therapy is initiated in cases of acute hypoxemia or where oxygen delivery to tissues is compromised.
Common indications include:
- Acute hypoxemia (e.g., pneumonia, shock, asthma, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction)
- Post-operative states (especially those with general anesthesia or thoracic/abdominal surgeries)
- Pneumothorax (especially if large or symptomatic)
- Symptomatic anemia (when oxygen delivery to tissues is impaired despite normal saturation)
Other Specific Indications:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning (100% oxygen via non-rebreather mask or hyperbaric O2)
- Methemoglobinemia (High-flow O2; consider methylene blue for treatment)
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) – High-flow oxygen and mechanical ventilation as indicated