What is the recommended oxygen therapy target for patients with obstructive lung disease?

The recommended oxygen therapy target for patients with obstructive lung disease is 88-92% SpO2. This target range is specifically set for individuals with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, who may develop respiratory drive changes due to chronic low oxygen levels. Maintaining oxygen saturation within this range helps to ensure adequate oxygenation while avoiding the risk of hypercapnia, a condition where there is an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can occur if oxygen levels are set too high.

Setting the target too low could lead to insufficient oxygen delivery, risking hypoxemia, while overly high targets might suppress the patient's respiratory drive or worsen their condition. Therefore, the 88-92% range strikes a balance between providing necessary oxygenation and preventing potential complications associated with unnecessary high levels of supplemental oxygen.