Humidificación del aire inspirado y oxigenoterapia crónica domiciliaria

Abstract

The use of humidifiers in the home is a common practice in patients receiving domiciliary oxygen therapy, probably due to its extensive use in the hospital setting. However, the available evidence and clinical guidelines recommend that the use of a humidifier is not necessary in the hospital or at home when nasal prong oxygen therapy is used with a flow of oxygen of less than 4 l/min. Its generalized use, besides meaning an added cost, may entail health risks (bacterial contamination) and favor O₂ escapes. On the contrary, in patients with artificial airway (tracheostomy) or when higher O₂ flows are used, a humidifier device should be used (simple, thermal or artificial nose).