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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Management
When should I refer a person with COPD for assessment for short-burst oxygen?
- Inappropriate oxygen therapy in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may cause respiratory depression.
- Refer to a respiratory specialist for assessment for short-burst oxygen therapy (as-required intermittent use of supplemental oxygen for periods of 10–20 minutes to relieve breathlessness):
- People not eligible for LTOT who have episodes of severe breathlessness not relieved by other treatments.
- Referral for assessment may not be necessary or appropriate when short-burst oxygen is being used for terminal care (in the last days of life).
- Warn people using oxygen not to smoke because of the risk of fire or explosion.
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