Oxygen Sources and delivery devices: Essentials during COVID-19

Abstract

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic which is known to predominantly affect the respiratory system. Oxygen (O2) therapy has a profound role in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The pandemic has drawn special attention to ensure uninterrupted O2 supply to all hospitals, especially those catering to COVID-19 patients. During the pandemic, a rational use of O2 therapy is essential. This includes optimal supplemental O2 therapy, careful monitoring of patients, and escalation as well as de-escalation of O2 therapy when indicated. We summarize the various sources of O2 to health-care establishments and various O2 delivery devices which are of paramount importance to ensure seamless O2 supply in the pandemic scenario.

Keywords

• hypoxemia
• oxygen devices
• oxygen sources
• oxygen therapy
• supplemental oxygen therapy