A mixed-methods pilot study of domiciliary nasal high-flow therapy for breathlessness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who do not qualify for domiciliary long-term oxygen therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) therapy delivers humidified, heated air with flow rates of up to 60 L/min with oxygen entrained. HFNO has advantages over conventional oxygen therapy, including precise and reliable fraction of inspired oxygen delivery, therefore is recommended as first-line treatment for people with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.

Objectives

This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of domiciliary nasal high flow (NHF) without entrained oxygen for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe breathlessness.

Design

Single-arm, mixed-methods, pilot study of an 8-day, air-only NHF intervention in adults with COPD and severe breathlessness not requiring domiciliary oxygen therapy.

Methods

SUBMITTER: Smallwood N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11898029 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature