Oxygen therapy for children in the community

Oxygen therapy is widely used in the community for patients with chronic hypoxaemia. Although only a small proportion of those are children, more and more paediatric patients are prescribed home oxygen for a variety of indications, most commonly for chronic lung disease related to premature birth. Chronic hypoxaemia in children is diagnosed using pulse oximetry, a method that has limitations, but alternative tests are rarely required. Whilst there are clear advantages in therapy with oxygen outside the hospital setting, clinicians need to be aware of potential impact on family life, housing, school attendance and travel.
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Personal practice Source Type: research