A 38-year-old member asked:
Will increasing a copd patient's oxygen when taken to 5, 000 ft altitude injure her?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Carlo Hatemanswered
Pulmonary Critical Care 27 years experience
Usually not: Check with the doctor to make sure the patient does not have a tendency to retain carbon dioxide. Also, it is best to have an oximeter, a device that measures oxygen levels, with you. It will allow you to use just enough, not more not less.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Rada Ivanovanswered
Pulmonary Critical Care 33 years experience
Yes and no: At 5, 000 ft altitude, everyone needs more oxygen than at sea level. So a COPD pt will need a corresponding increase in her oxygen. That should not be injurious as long as it is coordinated with a physician. Where is she going? Outside of the us, this will very unlikely be feasible.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 15, 2020
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