What is oxygen therapy?
Oxygen, a gas found in the air we breathe, is necessary for human life. Some people with breathing disorders can’t get enough oxygen naturally. They may need supplemental oxygen or oxygen therapy. People who receive oxygen therapy often see improved energy levels, sleep, and quality of life. Oxygen is necessary for basic metabolic demand in the body, and it is an important part of resuscitation in many acute illnesses, as well as maintenance of chronic hypoxemic diseases.
Who needs oxygen therapy?
Oxygen therapy is prescribed for people who can’t get enough oxygen on their own. This is often because of lung conditions that prevent the lungs from absorbing oxygen, including:
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
pneumonia
asthma
bronchopulmonary dysplasia
heart failure
cystic fibrosis
sleep apnea
lung disease
trauma to the respiratory system
circulatory problems
muscle aches and pain
memory problems
To determine whether a person will benefit from oxygen therapy, doctors test the amount of oxygen in their arterial blood. Another way to check is using a pulse oximeter that indirectly measures oxygen levels, or saturation, without requiring a blood sample—the pulse oximeter clips onto a person’s body part, like a finger. Low levels mean a person may be a good candidate for supplemental oxygen.
Normal levels of arterial blood oxygen are between 75 and 100 mmHg (millimetres of mercury). An oxygen level of 60 mmHg or lower indicates the need for supplemental oxygen. Too much oxygen can be dangerous as well and can damage the cells in your lungs. Your oxygen level should not go above 110 mmHg.
What are the symptoms of low oxygen?
When you aren’t getting enough oxygen, you’ll experience a host of symptoms, including:
rapid breathing
shortness of breath
fast heart rate
coughing or wheezing
sweating
confusion
changes in the colour of your skin
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
What are the different types of oxygen therapies?
There are several different types of oxygen therapies that can be used. These include:
Exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT)
oxygen gas
liquid oxygen
oxygen concentrators
hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT).
Exercise with oxygen therapy introduces a convenient way of delivering oxygen into the cells. With a basic exercise routine like rebounding or just walking 15min a day, combined with mild oxygen inhalation from a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), one can oxygenate the cells allowing them to recharge and detoxify efficiently as they uptake supplemental oxygen nutrition.
Oxygen gas
Oxygen gas can be stored in a portable tank. These are called compressed gas systems. A larger stationary concentrator is used within the home, and a smaller oxygen tank can be taken to use outside the home. The smaller tanks might be used along with oxygen-conserving devices so that the oxygen supply lasts longer. The oxygen is delivered in pulses, not continuously.
Liquid oxygen
Liquid oxygen also can be stored in a portable tank. Liquid oxygen is more highly concentrated, so more oxygen can fit in a smaller tank. This is helpful for very active people, but it will evaporate if it isn’t used promptly. These tanks are refillable.
Oxygen concentrators
An oxygen concentrator is a device that takes oxygen from the room, concentrates it for therapeutic use, and removes other naturally occurring gases. The benefits of concentrators are that they don’t require filling like tanks. Portable versions are available. Oxygen is distributed from the concentrator through a tube. It enters the lungs through nasal tubes or a face mask.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is unlike the other methods of oxygen therapy. People will breathe in pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. In the hyperbaric chambers, the air pressure is increased to three or four times the normal air pressure levels. This increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the body’s tissue. This type of oxygen delivery is often used to treat wounds, serious infections, or bubbles of air in your blood vessels. Hyperbaric therapy should be carried out carefully so that blood oxygen levels don’t become too high.
Delivery methods
nasal prongs placed in the nose with the tubing secured over the ear
face mask placed over the nose and mouth
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
alongside other therapies to help people sleep and breathe
What are the benefits of oxygen therapy?
Oxygen therapy can be extremely beneficial for those who frequently experience low oxygen levels, regardless of the reason. If needed, regularly utilizing oxygen therapy can allow people to be more active and mobile by decreasing shortness of breath. It also can significantly improve quality of life, and in many cases extend life expectancy.
Oxygen therapy can also reduce symptoms such as:
headaches
irritability
fatigue
swollen ankles
Oxygen therapy can help the growth and development of children who have chronic lung conditions. It can also lessen symptoms such as headaches caused by low oxygen levels, and behavioural changes or problems.
How does oxygen therapy help with COPD?
Many people with severe COPD require long-term oxygen therapy. COPD is an umbrella term that includes progressive lung diseases that lead to increased breathlessness. Some people will experience declining lung function over time, leading them to struggle to get enough oxygen. Long-term, regular oxygen therapy can significantly improve the quality and length of life of people with COPD.
What are the guidelines for using oxygen therapy?
Your doctor will write you a prescription to begin oxygen therapy. They’ll tell you how to use it and how often you should use it. This will include the flow rate, or how much oxygen you’ll need per minute. You must follow all of your doctor’s specific instructions. If you don’t think the oxygen therapy is working for you, see them before making any changes.
Some people only need oxygen during certain activities, like exercising or sleeping. Other people need oxygen constantly. Most types of oxygen therapy come with portable oxygen tanks, so you can leave home with them if necessary. Do not use drugs or alcohol while taking oxygen therapy, as they can slow your breathing. When discussing oxygen therapy with your doctor, make them aware of any other prescription medications you may be taking.
What are the safety considerations for oxygen therapy?
Even though oxygen is not a flammable gas, it’s also necessary for combustion. Fires in areas with excessive oxygen are likely to burn more quickly. Be cautious with oxygen tanks around open flames and heaters, and be sure to store oxygen tanks safely.
What is the outlook for people who use oxygen therapy?
Many people who need supplemental oxygen live normal, active lives. In many cases, oxygen therapy helps make the activity easier, increases stamina, and decreases shortness of breath. In some cases, oxygen therapy can increase life expectancy.
Even people who need ongoing therapy due to chronic conditions can live normal lives. Once a person learns to manage the oxygen equipment, the therapy doesn’t have to limit their routine.