Providing Long-Term Oxygen Therapy for Patients with COPD and Interstitial Lung Disease

Guideline recommendations from the American Thoracic Society for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Sponsoring Organization: American Thoracic Society (ATS)

Background

This guideline is focused on long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease. Recommendations are based on best available evidence and patient-specific risks and benefits.

Key Points

Patients with COPD and severe resting hypoxemia (partial pressure of oxygen [PaO₂], ≤55 mm Hg or oxygen saturation [SpO₂], ≤88%) should be prescribed LTOT for at least 15 hours daily.
Patients with COPD and severe exertional desaturation should be prescribed ambulatory oxygen.
Patients with interstitial lung disease should receive LTOT for severe resting hypoxemia and ambulatory oxygen for severe exertional desaturation. The…

Reviewing Author

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Providing Long-Term Oxygen Therapy for Patients with COPD and Interstitial Lung Disease

Topics

Background

Key Points

Reviewing Author