The older methods of oxygen therapy in pneumonia, still generally in use, have not been satisfactory, from the standpoint either of their convenience of application or of the results obtained. The method here described has many advantages.
Oxygen therapy should be accomplished with the least possible degree of irritation or discomfort to the patient. It should be started as early as the first appearance of cyanosis of the finger nails. No harm can be done if applied even earlier. It should be maintained continuously from the beginning until adequate tissue oxygenation can again be had without excess effort, from atmospheric air. This period of administration may be continued from a day to two weeks, as the condition of the patient indicates. As long as the patient requires an oxygen plus atmosphere to maintain tissue respiration without effort, it should be furnished.
Intermissions in oxygen administration in pneumonia, in the presence