BACKGROUND: Home oxygen therapy is commonly prescribed for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The risks of smoking while using this therapy have been well described. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the Royal Brisbane Hospital Burns Unit's experience and present case studies which illustrate the danger of alternative ignition sources while using home oxygen. DISCUSSION: The dangers of home oxygen therapy can be minimised by careful patient selection, education and ongoing monitoring.
BACKGROUND: Home oxygen therapy is commonly prescribed for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The risks of smoking while using this therapy have been well described. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the Royal Brisbane Hospital Burns Unit's experience and present case studies which illustrate the danger of alternative ignition sources while using home oxygen. DISCUSSION: The dangers of home oxygen therapy can be minimised by careful patient selection, education and ongoing monitoring.