Oxygen is a therapeutic agent for hypoxic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and smoking is the commonest risk factor for COPD. However many patients continue to smoke, despite proper counselling and advice. We report a case of facial burn following smoking with nasal prongs in situ, of
medicine ward successfully managed in our ICU. A 60year old male patient with known case of COPD, on regular treatment was admitted in medicine ward for an acute exacerbation of COPD. In the ward
patient intended to smoke with nasal prongs in situ with oxygen at 2litres/min and had a blast of fire over his face. He sustained 3.5% of partial thickness burns over his nose, upper lip and lower lip with singing of nasal hair. He was transferred to ICU for further management. The aim of reporting this case is that, in light of the rising trend in burns secondary to Home Oxygen Therapy, clear guidance needs to be established to ensure that physicians who initially prescribe oxygen warn against fire risks, and evaluate the need for oxygen against the risk of injury. Present guidelines concerning the initial prescription of oxygen, particularly for active smokers are thought to be imprecise. In addition, over-prescription of oxygen to patients not meeting hypoxic guideline criteria is common, and when followed-up appropriately a majority of patients no longer need continuing with it.
Oxygen Therapy, smoking, COPD
