Oxygen supplementation in COPD and V/Q mismatch
I understand COPD patients are mainly dependant on the PO2 levels for the respiratory drive and high flow oxygen supplementation can cause decreased stimulation of peripheral chemoreceptors leading to decreased ventilation.
I came across a statement saying high flow oxygen supplementation INCREASES the physiological dead space, leading to increased V/Q mismatch. How does this happen?
From my understanding, physiological dead space represents the alveoli that are ventilated but poorly...
Oxygen supplementation in COPD and V/Q mismatch
Source: Student Doctor Network - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Paramyxovirus Source Type: forums