Exercise provides a range of benefits for a patient. A patient with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) may develop exertional dyspnea and exercise-induced hypoxemia. The use of supplemental oxygen may allow the patient to continue exercising.
Patient selection: interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Benefits of oxygen therapy during exercise:
(1) reduced dyspnea and dyspnea-related anxiety
(2) improved exercise tolerance, capacity and endurance
(3) reduction in leg symptoms and fatigue during exercise involving the lower extremities
(4) improved oxygen saturation
(5) improved mood and quality of life
Problems with supplemental oxygen:
(1) cost
Some investigators recommend high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC).
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