The following will provide you with detailed information about the benefits of supplemental oxygen as well as some important oxygen safety tips.
Why Do I Need Supplemental Oxygen?
Oxygen is a basic human need. Without it, we would not survive. The air that we breathe contains approximately 21% oxygen. For most people with healthy lungs, this is sufficient, but for some people with certain health conditions whose lung function is impaired, the amount of oxygen that is obtained through normal breathing is not enough. Therefore, they require supplemental amounts to maintain normal body function.
How Do I Know if I Need Supplemental Oxygen?
Your healthcare provider can measure the oxygen levels in your blood by obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) or by using a noninvasive device called a "pulse oximeter." According to the American Thoracic Society, the general goal of treatment is to keep your oxygen levels usually at, or above, 88%.
How Much Oxygen Should I Use?
Oxygen is a medical treatment and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider to use it. Your doctor may prescribe a range of oxygen flow rates for different activities, such as during rest, sleep or exercise. It is very important that you follow the settings exactly as prescribed, as using too much or too little can have serious consequences.
How Many Hours a Day Will I Need Oxygen?
Some patients will only require oxygen therapy during sleep, while others may require it 24 hours a day. The amount and duration of oxygen therapy that you use will depend upon the recommendation of your healthcare provider.
What are the Benefits of Oxygen Therapy?
In addition to helping prevent heart failure in people with severe lung diseases, such as COPD, supplemental oxygen has many benefits. For example, some studies have shown an increase in survival rates in patients who use oxygen more than 15 hours a day. Moreover, according to the American Lung Association, supplemental oxygen improves sleep, mood, mental alertness and stamina and allows individuals to carry out normal, everyday functions.
How Do I Use Oxygen Safely?
Although oxygen is a safe gas and is nonflammable, it supports combustion, meaning materials burn more readily in its presence. It is very important to follow general oxygen safety guidelines if you are planning to use, or be around, supplemental oxygen.
The following oxygen safety tips are recommended by the American Lung Association:
- Do NOT use oxygen around open flames, such as matches, cigarette lighters, candles or cigarettes.
- Do NOT use oxygen around other sources of heat, such as electric or gas heaters and/or stoves.
- If you are using supplemental oxygen, avoid using lotions or creams containing petroleum — the combustion of flammable products containing petroleum can also be supported by the presence of oxygen.
- Store oxygen cylinders safely in a secure, upright position in an approved place for storage.
- Turn oxygen supply valves off when not in use.
- Pay close attention to the safety instructions recommended by your oxygen supply company, regarding safe usage and storage of supplemental oxygen.
Following these simple steps will ensure the safety of you and your family in the presence of supplemental oxygen.
Are you on supplemental oxygen? Compare prices of pulse oximetry monitors.
Source:
American Lung Association Oxygen Therapy Fact Sheet. 2005. http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=mkI4KgMWIvF&b=945031.
