Which medical gas is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Oxygen is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because it helps patients who have difficulty breathing due to reduced airflow in their lungs. COPD is characterized by airflow limitation that is often progressive and associated with respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath. Administering supplemental oxygen can help maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels in the blood, allowing patients to function better and improve their quality of life.

The use of oxygen therapy is a well-established treatment protocol for individuals with COPD, as it addresses the hypoxemia (low levels of oxygen in the blood) that frequently occurs in these patients. By ensuring that the tissues receive adequate oxygen, it can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the disease, making it a critical component of their management.

In contrast, nitrous oxide is primarily used for its anesthetic and analgesic properties but is not indicated for the treatment of COPD. Carbon dioxide is sometimes used in medical settings, but not as a treatment for COPD; rather, it can be a part of certain diagnostic procedures. Helium is often used in combination with oxygen for specific cases, such as in severe asthma attacks due to its low density, but it does not directly treat COPD like oxygen does.