Why does domiciliary oxygen consumption vary from area to area?

Home oxygen therapy is used mainly for chronic respiratory disease. Differences in the gross quantities of oxygen supplied for home use in eight areas in 1982 reflected differences in the user-proportions of their populations, but not the amounts consumed per user. Similar user-proportions were found among areas with markedly dissimilar levels of respiratory disease. In the majority of cases the decision to use oxygen therapy was taken by the general practitioner.To ensure that the known benefits of oxygen therapy are more widely obtained, potential recipients need to be more accurately ascertained. More frequent resort to pulmonary function testing at the primary care level is indicated.