Oxygen therapy

Oxygen, properly administered, often is a valuable therapeutic agent in many conditions such as hemorrhage, heart disease, respiratory diseases, anemia, shock, infection with fever and others in which there is direct or indirect interference with normal oxygenation of tissues. In severe heart disease or acute respiratory conditions, administration of oxygen under pressure may be necessary in order to deliver the required amount to the tissues in want. For conditions in which oxygen want is less critical, 50 per cent concentration of the gas in the inspired atmosphere is effective and more easily carried out. Patients with chronic heart disease may be greatly helped by taking oxygen at home under the direction of a physician.