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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Management
When should I refer a person with COPD for assessment for long-term oxygen therapy?
- Inappropriate oxygen therapy in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may cause respiratory depression. Do not start long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) without a specialist assessment.
- Refer the person with COPD to a respiratory specialist for assessment for LTOT if they have any of the following:
- Oxygen saturation less than or equal to 92% breathing air.
- Ensure that pulse oximetry is available.
- Very severe airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] less than 30% predicted).
- Cyanosis.
- Secondary polycythaemia (erythrocytosis).
- Peripheral oedema.
- Raised jugular venous pressure.
- Consider referring people with severe airflow obstruction (FEV1 30–49% predicted) for assessment for the need for LTOT.
- Optimize medical treatment before referral.
- Warn people using oxygen not to smoke because of the risk of fire or explosion.
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