Dissolved Oxygen and Emphysema: Scientific Evidence

The use of supplemental oxygen (dissolved oxygen delivered via inhalation) in the treatment of emphysema is strongly supported by scientific evidence. Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by destruction of alveolar walls, leading to impaired gas exchange and reduced blood oxygenation. As the disease progresses, many patients develop hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels), which can cause significant morbidity and mortality.

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) has been rigorously studied and shown to improve survival, quality of life, and exercise tolerance in patients with severe emphysema and chronic hypoxemia. Landmark studies, such as the Medical Research Council (MRC) trial in the UK and the Nocturnal Oxygen Therapy Trial (NOTT) in the US, demonstrated that continuous oxygen therapy significantly reduces mortality in these patients. As a result, supplemental oxygen is a mainstay of emphysema management in patients with documented hypoxemia (arterial PaO₂ ≤ 55 mmHg or oxygen saturation ≤ 88%).

Oxygen therapy is usually administered via nasal cannula or mask, ensuring that dissolved oxygen in the airways and alveoli is increased, thus facilitating diffusion into the bloodstream. Current medical guidelines from organizations such as the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommend oxygen therapy for appropriately selected patients, affirming its scientific validation and clinical utility.