Which condition requires high-flow oxygen therapy?

High-flow oxygen therapy is typically indicated in cases where a patient is experiencing significant respiratory distress or has a condition that severely compromises oxygenation. A severe asthma attack can lead to acute airway narrowing, resulting in inadequate ventilation and gas exchange. This necessitates the use of high-flow oxygen to ensure that the patient receives sufficient oxygen to meet their body's needs and to help alleviate hypoxia.

In such situations, maintaining a high concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream is crucial because the respiratory system is often unable to effectively oxygenate the blood due to bronchospasm and possible airway obstruction. Administering high-flow oxygen can improve blood oxygen levels and can be life-saving.

Other conditions listed, such as a mild allergic reaction, a fractured limb, and stable angina, either do not directly affect the patient's respiratory capacity to the same extent or do not require immediate high-flow oxygen therapy for effective management. Instead, these conditions usually call for other forms of treatment that may not prioritize high-flow oxygen as a critical intervention.