To the Editor: While Joosten et al highlight the uncommon but serious problem of potential carbon dioxide (CO2) narcosis after emergency management of respiratory illness,1 it is important that their findings are kept in perspective and do not lead to inadequate administration of oxygen to patients with acute dyspnoea.
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- 1 Emergency Medicine, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC.
- 2 Joseph Epstein Centre for Emergency Medicine Research, Western Hospital, Melbourne, VIC.
Correspondence: Andrew.Dent@svhm.org.au
- 1. Joosten SA, Koh MS, Bu X, et al. The effects of oxygen therapy in patients presenting to an emergency department with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Med J Aust 2007; 186: 235-238. <MJA full text>
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