 A person wearing a simple face mask | |
| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | supplemental oxygen, enriched air |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | FDA Professional Drug Information |
| Routes of administration | inhaled |
| Drug class | medical gas |
| ATC code | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
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| UNII | |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | O2 |
Oxygen therapy, also calledsupplemental oxygen, is whenoxygen gas (O2) is used formedical treatment by giving the gas to thepatient forinhalation.[1] It can be used for ilnesses likehypoxia,carbon monoxide toxicity, andcluster headaches.[2] It can be used over a long time for people who suffer with illnesses that lower oxygen levels in theblood likeCOPD andcystic fibrosis.[3] It can be given in a few different ways such as through anasal cannula,face mask, or inside ahyperbaric chamber.[4][5][6] Oxygen levels need to be high enough forrespiration to keep a patient healthy and for normalcell metabolism.[7][8]