Nasal Oxygen Therapy After Cardiac Surgery

Inclusion Criteria

• •Aged 18 years or over.
• •Undergoing any elective or urgent first-time or redo cardiac surgery performed on cardiopulmonary bypass
• •Have one or more clinical risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (COPD, asthma, lower respiratory tract infection in last 4 weeks as defined by use of antibiotics, body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 , current (within the last 6 weeks) heavy smoker (\> 10 pack years)) (47, 48).
• •Asthma is a disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, and patients will have been prescribed medication by inhalers or nebulisers (either bronchodilators or steroids).
• •Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe chronic lung diseases that cause limitations in lung airflow. The more familiar terms 'chronic bronchitis' and 'emphysema' are no longer used but are now included within the COPD 13 diagnosis. The most common symptoms of COPD are breathlessness, or a 'need for air', excessive sputum production, and a chronic cough. Patients suitable for the NOTACS study will have been prescribed medication by inhalers or nebulisers (either bronchodilators or steroids).