Controversial indications for long-term respiratory care: long-term oxygen therapy

Long-term oxygen therapy is the only therapy proven to alter the late course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but it should be reserved for selected patients. Only patients with chronic, stable hypoxaemia and with associated organ system dysfunction should have long-term oxygen therapy prescribed. It is highly likely that the delivery of oxygen via ambulatory systems is superior to oxygen available solely from a stationary source. Transtracheal oxygen appears to be an advance in selected patients. Newer oxygen technologies will continue to provide improved methods of care for patients with advanced hypoxaemic states.