For what indication is oxygen therapy typically administered?

Oxygen therapy is primarily administered for acute respiratory distress or hypoxia because these conditions involve a deficiency of oxygen in the body, which can lead to serious health complications. In acute respiratory distress, the body struggles to obtain adequate oxygen due to various factors such as lung diseases, trauma, or infections.

Administering supplemental oxygen helps to increase the percentage of oxygen in the bloodstream, alleviating symptoms of hypoxia such as confusion, shortness of breath, and cyanosis, which indicate insufficient oxygen supply to tissues. This intervention is crucial in emergency situations where immediate intervention is needed to stabilize a patient's condition, prevent organ damage, and enhance overall outcomes.

While the other conditions listed may affect a person's well-being, they do not typically warrant the use of oxygen therapy as a first-line intervention. For example, chronic low blood pressure may require fluid replacement or medications rather than oxygen. Hyperventilation syndrome is often managed with breathing techniques or reassurance, and chronic fatigue syndrome involves a multifaceted treatment approach that does not specifically include oxygen therapy.