Oxygen is a common practice in sick children.

• It is very important to remember that oxygen is now considered as a drug and it needs to be prescribed by a doctor before it is administered
• Like any Drug, excess of this can cause side effects to the patient and hence it needs to be used very judiciously
• Oxygen is always given as FiO2 or the fractional inspiration of oxygen
• Methods of giving oxygen
• The various methods of administration provide different quantities of oxygen (FiO2)
• The choice of oxygen device is made based on the age of the child and the requirement of Fio2.
• In children less than 8 months, the head box or nasal prongs can be comfortable
• In older children you can use the nasal prongs or the masks.
• Most of these techniques supply dry air which can irritate the respiratory system. So for prolonged use beyond a couple hours, you may need to humidify it.