Question

Oxygen therapy may not be useful in

• A. Asthma
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Subglottic stenosis
• D. Pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Oxygen therapy is a critical intervention in various respiratory conditions, aiming to ensure adequate oxygenation of tissues. However, its usefulness varies depending on the underlying pathology affecting the lungs.

Asthma:

Asthma is a condition characterized by bronchial hyperreactivity, leading to reversible airway obstruction. Oxygen therapy is beneficial during an acute asthma exacerbation to alleviate hypoxemia.

Pneumonia:

Pneumonia involves inflammation of the lung tissue, often resulting in impaired gas exchange. Oxygen therapy is useful to enhance oxygen delivery to the blood during treatment.

Subglottic stenosis:

This condition involves narrowing of the airway below the vocal cords, which can lead to breathing difficulties. Oxygen therapy can be supportive in managing resultant hypoxemia.

Pulmonary fibrosis:

Pulmonary fibrosis involves the scarring and stiffening of lung tissue, impeding efficient gas exchange. Although oxygen therapy can be supportive, it may not significantly improve outcomes or reverse the underlying pathology. The scarring limits the lung's ability to take in oxygen fully, making it less effective than in other conditions.

Based on the effectiveness and reversibility factors in respiratory pathologies, oxygen therapy is least useful in pulmonary fibrosis as its capacity to improve the condition is limited by the irreversible nature of the fibrotic changes in the lung tissue.