COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has dramatically impacted global health since its emergence in 2019. It primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, and organ failure.
COVID-19 can impair lung function and oxygen exchange, making it difficult for the body to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the bloodstream. In moderate to severe cases, this can result in hypoxaemia, a condition where blood oxygen levels are dangerously low, which can lead to complications affecting the brain, heart, and other vital organs.
Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment used to increase oxygen levels in the body. It involves delivering medical oxygen via devices such as nasal cannulas, masks, or mechanical ventilators, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.
Oxygen therapy is vital in managing COVID-19 patients, especially those suffering from severe respiratory distress, by helping restore adequate oxygenation to the body and preventing complications associated with hypoxemia. In this article we will discuss how oxygen therapy supports COVID-19 patients.
Benefits of Oxygen Therapy for COVID-19 Patients
Oxygen therapy is generally considered safe and highly beneficial for treating respiratory conditions, including COVID-19, but there are some risks associated with its use, particularly when administered at high concentrations for extended periods.
Restoring Oxygen Levels in the Blood
One of the most critical benefits of oxygen therapy for COVID-19 patients is its ability to restore normal blood oxygen levels.
In cases of severe COVID-19, the virus attacks the lungs, causing inflammation and fluid accumulation, which impairs gas exchange. This leads to hypoxaemia, which can damage organs if left untreated.
Oxygen therapy ensures that enough oxygen is delivered to the bloodstream, preventing complications like heart failure, brain damage, or organ dysfunction.
Preventing Organ Failure
When oxygen levels in the blood are too low, the body’s vital organs—such as the heart, kidneys, liver, and brain—begin to suffer from a lack of oxygen. This can cause multi-organ failure, which is a significant cause of death in severe COVID-19 cases.
By increasing oxygen saturation through oxygen therapy, organs are better supplied with oxygen, thus reducing the risk of failure and supporting overall recovery.
Reducing the Need for Mechanical Ventilation
Oxygen therapy is often used as an intermediary treatment to prevent the need for more invasive methods, such as mechanical ventilation.
Early intervention with oxygen therapy can stabilise a patient’s oxygen levels, reducing the likelihood of them progressing to a critical stage where intubation and mechanical ventilation are required.
This is particularly important because mechanical ventilation carries risks, such as lung injury and infections.
Improving Breathing and Reducing Respiratory Effort
COVID-19 often causes shortness of breath and respiratory distress, especially in severe cases where the lungs are inflamed or filled with fluid.
Oxygen therapy helps by reducing the amount of work the lungs have to do to supply the body with oxygen. This lessens the respiratory effort, making it easier for patients to breathe and improving their comfort.
For patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), oxygen therapy can prevent the onset of further complications and reduce the strain on the lungs.
Reducing Mortality in Severe Cases
Studies have shown that timely administration of oxygen therapy significantly reduces the risk of death in severe COVID-19 patients.
Many hospitals, particularly in developing countries, have reported lower mortality rates when oxygen therapy is readily available for moderate to severe cases. By providing a non-invasive way to manage respiratory distress and maintain critical oxygen levels, oxygen therapy can be life-saving, especially when combined with other treatments such as corticosteroids or antiviral medications.
Potential Dangers of Oxygen Therapy for COVID-19 Patients
While oxygen therapy is generally considered safe and helpful some risks are accompanying its use when administered at high concentrations for extended periods:
Oxygen Toxicity
Oxygen toxicity occurs when a patient is exposed to excessive levels of oxygen for prolonged periods. High concentrations of oxygen can damage the lungs and other tissues, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and even lung damage.
In COVID-19 patients, this risk is particularly relevant if they require prolonged oxygen therapy at high flow rates. Careful monitoring of oxygen saturation levels and adjusting the oxygen flow accordingly can mitigate the risk of oxygen toxicity.
Barotrauma from Mechanical Ventilation
In severe cases, oxygen therapy may be delivered through mechanical ventilation, especially if less invasive methods fail to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
Mechanical ventilation can increase the risk of barotrauma, a condition in which air pressure damages the lungs, leading to air leaks, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or other complications.
While oxygen therapy itself does not cause barotrauma, patients on mechanical ventilators need careful management to avoid pressure-related injuries.
In conclusion, oxygen therapy plays a critical role in the management of COVID-19, especially for patients experiencing moderate to severe respiratory distress.
The use of oxygen therapy must be carefully managed though, as excessive oxygen exposure can lead to oxygen toxicity, and the use of mechanical ventilation can carry the risk of barotrauma. Despite these potential risks, the benefits of oxygen therapy in treating COVID-19 patients far outweigh the dangers.
