Evidence supporting the use of: Oxygen
For the health condition: Emphysema

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Oxygen therapy is scientifically validated and widely used in the treatment of emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by damage to the alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange and chronic hypoxemia. The use of supplemental oxygen is based on robust clinical evidence and is recommended by major medical organizations, including the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and the American Thoracic Society.

Multiple large randomized controlled trials, most notably the Medical Research Council (MRC) trial and the Nocturnal Oxygen Therapy Trial (NOTT), have demonstrated that long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) significantly improves survival in patients with severe resting hypoxemia due to COPD, which includes emphysema. These studies showed that patients with arterial oxygen tensions (PaO2) ≤55 mmHg or evidence of tissue hypoxia benefited from continuous oxygen therapy, with reductions in mortality and improvements in quality of life.

Oxygen therapy works by increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen, thereby improving arterial oxygenation and decreasing the work of breathing. It is not a cure but is considered a cornerstone of management for patients with advanced emphysema who have chronic respiratory failure. Clinical guidelines specify careful titration and monitoring, as inappropriate use can lead to complications such as carbon dioxide retention in susceptible individuals. Nonetheless, the scientific basis for oxygen use in emphysema is strong and well established.

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