When is the use of high-flow oxygen typically indicated?

The use of high-flow oxygen is typically indicated in patients exhibiting signs of respiratory distress or failure. This is because high-flow oxygen can deliver a greater concentration of oxygen to patients who are struggling to breathe or whose oxygen saturation levels are critically low. In cases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), patients may require supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate oxygenation and prevent further complications.

High-flow oxygen is often utilized in emergency situations where rapid intervention is necessary to stabilize the patient’s respiratory function. The ability to provide a significant amount of oxygen can be crucial in avoiding significant morbidity or mortality associated with respiratory failure.

Other scenarios, such as allergies, routine checks, or hypertension, do not typically warrant the use of high-flow oxygen. In these instances, the patient's condition may not be critically impacted by oxygen levels, and different management strategies would be more appropriate.