Obstructive Lung Disease A disease characterized by added resistance to flow of air into and out of the lungs caused by narrowing of the airways or blockage of the airways.

Oximetry A technique used for measuring the amount of oxygen in the blood. A noninvasive probe is placed on the ear, finger or forehead. The probe is attached to an oximeter that transmits a beam of light through the blood vessels and determines how much light is absorbed by oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Oxygen Medicinal oxygen (> 21%) used to supplement ambient oxygen for normal metabolism.

Oxygen Desaturation Study An exercise test performed to reveal the presence of oxygen desaturation during exertion.

Sources:

Clinical Practice Guideline Number 17: Cardiac Rehabilitation, AHCPR Publication No. 96-0672, October 1995

Virtual Hospital: University of Iowa Family Practice Handbook, 3rd Edition: Pulmonary Medicine: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

U. S. Department of Health and Human Services

	Public Health Service
	Agency for Health Care Policy and Research
	National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute