In terms of patient comfort, why might heat and humidity be added to oxygen therapy?

Adding heat and humidity to oxygen therapy primarily serves to prevent mucosal drying and irritation. When delivering oxygen at higher concentrations or through devices like nasal cannulas or masks, there is a risk of drying out the airway mucosa because the oxygen is typically delivered without moisture. This drying can lead to discomfort, increased mucus production, and irritation of the airways, which can ultimately impair the patient's ability to breathe comfortably.

By incorporating heat and humidity into the oxygen delivered, the moisture content of the air is increased, which helps to maintain the natural hydration of the respiratory tract. This can make breathing more comfortable for the patient, enhance mucociliary function, and minimize complications associated with dried mucous membranes, such as airway inflammation or infections.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of adding heat and humidity to oxygen therapy, as they do not effectively address issues of patient comfort in the context of maintaining airway moisture.