What is the primary purpose of oxygen therapy?

The primary purpose of oxygen therapy is to increase the amount of oxygen available to the body. This treatment is typically administered to patients who have conditions that impair their ability to absorb adequate oxygen from the air, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, or other respiratory disorders. By delivering concentrated oxygen, therapy ensures that tissues and organs receive sufficient oxygen to function properly, which is vital for metabolism, energy production, and overall physiological stability.

Oxygen therapy is not specifically designed to reduce anxiety, enhance physical fitness, or decrease respiratory rate, although it can have secondary effects that may contribute to these outcomes. For instance, by alleviating hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels), patients may feel less anxious and experience improved cognitive function. However, the primary objective remains focused on restoring adequate oxygenation to the body, making this the most important aspect of oxygen therapy.