Final answer:
Indications to start oxygen therapy in COPD are based on the severity of the disease and the level of hypoxemia. Oxygen therapy can help improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with COPD by increasing oxygen levels in the blood and relieving hypoxemia-related symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Indications to start oxygen therapy in COPD are based on the severity of the disease and the level of hypoxemia, which is a lower-than-normal level of oxygen in the blood. Oxygen therapy is typically started in patients with a PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood) less than 55 mmHg or an oxygen saturation (SaO2) less than 88% on room air. In some cases, oxygen therapy may also be started if the patient has symptoms of hypoxemia, such as shortness of breath, even if their blood oxygen levels are above these thresholds.
Oxygen therapy can help improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with COPD by increasing oxygen levels in the blood and relieving hypoxemia-related symptoms. It can also reduce the risk of complications and hospitalizations. Oxygen therapy can be delivered through various devices, such as nasal cannula, face mask, or portable oxygen concentrator, based on the patient's needs and lifestyle.