As a pulmonologist with extensive experience in managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), I can provide insights into the best flow rate of oxygen for such patients. The optimal flow rate for oxygen therapy in COPD patients can vary depending on the severity of their condition and their individual response to treatment. However, I must emphasize that any medical advice should be tailored to the patient's specific needs and should be provided by a healthcare professional. The study you mentioned from Australia is significant because it addresses a common dilemma in the treatment of COPD patients: whether to use high-flow or titrated flow oxygen therapy. The study found that using a high-flow rate of 8-10 L/min can be beneficial for some patients, particularly during acute exacerbations. High-flow oxygen therapy provides a more consistent and higher concentration of oxygen, which can be life-saving in severe cases. On the other hand, a titrated flow rate is adjusted to achieve a specific target for arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), which is typically between 88%-92%. This approach is more personalized and aims to avoid potential risks associated with high oxygen concentrations, such as oxygen toxicity. In conclusion, the best flow rate of oxygen for a patient with COPD depends on the clinical scenario. During acute exacerbations, a high-flow rate of 8-10 L/min may be appropriate, but this should be reassessed and adjusted based on the patient's response and the achievement of therapeutic goals. For stable COPD, a titrated flow rate that targets an SaO2 of 88%-92% is often recommended to ensure safety and efficacy. read more >>

A study performed in Australia randomly assigned 405 patients with acute exacerbations of COPD to receive oxygen by nasal prongs at either 8-10 L/min (high-flow) or by a flow rate that was titrated to increase the arterial oxygen saturation just to 88%-92% (titrated flow).read more >>