is there a formula that they use to determine the oxygen flow amount?

Prescribing oxygen therapy is somewhat of a balancing act. Most people with COPD will do well for a long time on what is called low-flow supplemental oxygen therapy. This is usually somewhere in the range of 2 to 4 liters per minute, though it can vary from person to person.

The patient/family should never adjust the rate for oxygen without consulting the physician first. Inhaling too much oxygen can actually cause problems with COPD because the person may start breathing more slowly or more shallowly. That results in not getting rid of carbon dioxide, one of the waste products of breathing.

The goal is to keep the flow rate as low as possible, while still keeping your dad's respiratory status stable and minimizing COPD symptoms. If 3 liters per minute will do it, great!

Your role is to follow the doctor's instructions to the letter. If you're not comfortable with your dad's management of his treatment plan, you might consider getting him evaluated by a respiratory expert, called a pulmonologist.

Let me know if you have any other questions, OK? I'm in the same boat as you, caring for a mom with COPD. So I know the caregiver role can be stressful. But I am also a nurse and can help interpret the medical stuff when it doesn't make sense.

Take care,

Kathi