Do you recommend providing supplemental oxygen for patients with a pneumothorax in the absence of hypoxemia?

I was certainly always taught that one should give supplemental oxygen to patients to decrease the size of the pneumothorax. This is based on the "nitrogen wash-out" theory, essentially, you're trying to get the partial pressure of nitrogen down in the alveoli so that it will be resorbed from the pn...

International guidelines, in general, do not recommend supplemental oxygen in cases of pneumothorax without hypoxemia (e.g., ACCP, BTS, ERS). The evidence for faster resolution is scant. Moreover, administering supplemental oxygen at an FiO2 greater than 0.75 for 24 hours or longer may cause complic...

My answer is no, as there's a lack of evidence.

A study back in 1971 showed that at least a 4-fold increased rate of resorption of pneumothorax may occur with 100% oxygen administration during the observation period.

Data from animal models report an increased rate of resorption of air from the pleu...

I agree with Dr. @Dr. First Last - In the stable circumstances outlined below, I provide oxygen because it is low risk, has theoretical benefit in speeding resolution, and is consistent with guidelines. In addition, nursing staff usually feel extremely uncomfortable without that order in place.