The Fundamentals of Oxygen Therapy

The goal of oxygen delivery is to maintain targeted SpO2 levels in children through the provision of supplemental oxygen in a safe and effective way that is tolerated by infants and children to:

• Relieve hypoxemia and maintain adequate oxygenation of tissues and vital organs, as assessed by SpO2/SaO2 monitoring and clinical signs.
• Give oxygen therapy in a way that prevents excessive CO2 accumulation – i.e. selection of the appropriate flow rate and delivery device.
• Reduce the work of breathing.
• Ensure adequate clearance of secretions and limit the adverse events of hypothermia and insensible water loss by use of optimal humidification (dependent on the mode of oxygen delivery).
• Maintain efficient and economical use of oxygen.

Common causes of hypoxemia include:

• Anemia.
• ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome)
• Asthma.
• Congenital heart defects in children.
• Congenital heart disease in adults.
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) exacerbation — worsening of symptoms.
• Emphysema.
• Interstitial lung disease.