Nasal cannula

A nasal cannula is a lightweight, flexible tube that splits into two prongs designed to sit comfortably inside a patient's nostrils, delivering supplemental oxygen from a connected source such as an oxygen tank or concentrator. It is a low-flow oxygen delivery system, typically providing 1–6 liters per minute (LPM), with the delivered oxygen concentration (FiO₂) ranging approximately from 24% to 44%, depending on the flow rate and the patient's breathing pattern. This device is preferred for its non-invasive design, allowing patients to eat, drink, and speak with minimal disruption, making it ideal for those with mild to moderate hypoxia due to conditions like COPD, pneumonia, or heart failure. The approximate FiO₂ varies with flow rate: 1 LPM delivers about 24%, 2 LPM 28%, 3 LPM 32%, 4 LPM 36%, 5 LPM 40%, and 6 LPM up to 44%. Advantages include its lightweight construction, patient comfort, and ease of use, though it has limitations such as being unsuitable for high-flow oxygen needs, potential nasal dryness (requiring humidification for prolonged use), and possible skin irritation. For patients requiring higher oxygen flow rates (>6 LPM), alternatives like simple oxygen masks, Venturi masks, or non-rebreather masks (NRB) may be necessary, while severe respiratory distress may warrant a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) or other advanced oxygen delivery systems