Dissolved oxygen (administered as supplemental oxygen therapy) is a scientifically validated and standard treatment for pneumonia, especially in cases where hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) is present. The pathophysiological hallmark of pneumonia is impaired gas exchange in the lungs due to alveolar inflammation and fluid accumulation. This impairment can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, which may result in tissue hypoxia and organ dysfunction if left untreated.

Multiple clinical guidelines, including those from the World Health Organization (WHO) and national health organizations such as the CDC and National Institutes of Health (NIH), recommend oxygen therapy for patients with pneumonia who demonstrate low oxygen saturation (typically SpO₂ < 92-94%). The use of supplemental oxygen in these circumstances is supported by high-quality evidence, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, which consistently show that oxygen therapy improves survival, reduces complications, and alleviates symptoms in patients with hypoxemia due to pneumonia.

Oxygen can be delivered via nasal cannula, face mask, or more advanced modalities depending on severity. Its use is not based on tradition but on robust physiological understanding and extensive clinical research. Therefore, the employment of dissolved (supplemental) oxygen in the management of pneumonia is one of the most evidence-backed interventions in modern respiratory medicine.