Why should COPD patients receive low concentrations of oxygen?

Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have a unique respiratory drive that differs from healthy individuals. In a typical scenario, the body is driven to breathe primarily by rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2). However, many patients with COPD have developed a reliance on low oxygen levels (hypoxemia) as their primary stimulus to breathe, which is known as hypoxic drive.

When these patients receive high concentrations of oxygen, it can lead to a significant decrease in their respiratory drive. This occurs because the increased oxygen levels can suppress their urge to breathe, potentially resulting in hypoventilation and elevated CO2 levels in the bloodstream, which can lead to respiratory failure.

Therefore, providing low concentrations of oxygen helps maintain adequate levels of oxygen while still allowing the hypoxic drive to stimulate adequate ventilation. This is crucial for the survival of COPD patients, as maintaining their appropriate breathing stimulus is essential in managing their condition effectively.