What is the oxygen saturation goal for patients with COPD and asthma?

For patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, maintaining an oxygen saturation level (SpO2) at 90% is generally considered an appropriate target. These conditions often lead to chronic respiratory issues, and over-oxygenation can be harmful, particularly in patients with COPD, where elevated levels of oxygen can reduce their respiratory drive due to the body's reliance on lower oxygen levels to stimulate breathing.

Aiming for an oxygen saturation level of 90% ensures that the patient receives adequate oxygenation without the risk of suppressing their respiratory rate or causing complications associated with higher oxygen levels. This goal strikes a balance between ensuring sufficient oxygen for cellular metabolism while avoiding potential adverse effects.

In contrast, targets above this level, such as 95% or 98%, may not be necessary and could potentially be detrimental in some cases, particularly for populations already experiencing challenged respiratory function. Targeting too high could lead to oxygen-induced hypercapnia in COPD patients, making it critical to adhere to targeted levels that are beneficial for their specific condition.