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COPD breathlessness without hypoxaemia — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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ModerateCOPDCOPD breathlessness without hypoxaemiaSCE Respiratory

A 69-year-old woman with COPD and chronic bronchitis has oxygen saturation 96% on air. She asks for home oxygen because she feels breathless when walking. Six-minute walk test shows desaturation to 91% with rapid recovery. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: D — Optimise breathlessness management and do not prescribe oxygen on these data

Home oxygen is not indicated for breathlessness alone when resting oxygenation is normal and exertional desaturation is mild. LTOT requires severe chronic hypoxaemia, and ambulatory oxygen is generally reserved for demonstrable significant exertional desaturation with benefit on assessment. Pulmonary rehabilitation and optimisation remain central.

Reference: NICE NG115 COPD; BTS Home Oxygen Guideline