COPD GUIDE
Oxygen Therapy in COPD: Who Needs It, How Is It Used and Can It Be Reduced?
Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026
SHORT ANSWER
In some COPD patients, the oxygen level in the blood at rest is below a certain threshold. In these patients, long-term oxygen prolongs life. For this, it needs to be used for at least 15 hours a day. Oxygen is not addictive. Whether the need continues depends on the state of the disease. The need for oxygen is reassessed regularly with measurements. Preventing flare-ups and exercising help to keep this need from increasing. Your doctor decides on the oxygen flow rate and the duration of use. This decision is based on a blood gas test.
Who needs oxygen?
The decision is based on a blood gas test. The test is done at a time when the disease is stable. This is at least 4 weeks after a flare-up. A blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| At rest, oxygen pressure on the blood gas test of 55 mmHg or below, or oxygen saturation of 88% or below | Long-term oxygen (at least 15 hours a day) |
| Oxygen pressure of 56–59 mmHg with strain on the heart or an increase in red blood cells | Long-term oxygen |
| Oxygen falls only during exertion or sleep | Continuous oxygen has not been shown to prolong life; the decision is made individually |
| During a flare-up | Target oxygen saturation 88–92% (too much oxygen can raise carbon dioxide in the blood) |
The need for oxygen is reassessed after 60–90 days.
Devices and how to use them
At home, a stationary oxygen machine (concentrator) is used. Outside the home and on flights, a portable device is used, with an oxygen cylinder as a backup. The prescription gives the flow rate separately for rest, exercise and sleep. For most patients, it is 1–3 litres per minute. Oxygen is mostly given through a thin cannula placed in the nose. A humidifier is used at high flow rates. For your safety, do not use oxygen near open flames or cigarettes. Cylinders should be kept upright and secure.
Is oxygen “addictive”?
No. Oxygen prevents the harm that low oxygen causes to organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys. If the need continues, this is due to the severity of the disease, not to getting used to oxygen. A higher flow than necessary, on the other hand, can lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood. Follow your prescription.
Can the need for oxygen be reduced?
- Preventing flare-ups and using your medicines regularly stop your oxygen needs from rising temporarily.
- With an exercise programme, you can be more active on the same amount of oxygen.
- Losing excess weight also helps. Sleep apnoea, if present, should also be treated. Sleep apnoea means that breathing stops again and again during sleep.
- After balloon or valve treatment: Your need for oxygen is reassessed with measurements. Details: balloon treatment, lung valve.
Only your doctor makes the decision to reduce or stop oxygen, based on the measurements.
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT
Is it suitable for you?
Book an appointment and bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. We decide together at the consultation. If you are coming from outside Istanbul, an online preliminary consultation can be held first.
Please bring: your breathing test, your chest CT scan report and images (CD/USB), your list of medicines and, if you have one, your blood gas test result.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Frequently asked questions
The questions our patients and their relatives ask most often, with answers. We discuss questions about your own situation together at the consultation.
APPOINTMENT
Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment
To find out whether you are suitable, book a preliminary assessment appointment. Bring your breathing test, chest CT scan report and list of medicines with you.
info@yalcinkarakoca.com · Rüzgarlıbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Hasoğlu Plaza Kat:3, Kavacık / Beykoz, İstanbul
REFERENCES
- International COPD guideline (GOLD 2026 report); Turkish Thoracic Society COPD Diagnosis and Treatment Consensus Report.
This page is for general information purposes. It does not replace a medical examination or diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made during an examination, on an individual basis. In an emergency, call 112.
Medical content review: Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca, Pulmonologist · Last updated: 25 September 2026