Do Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy is the practice by which supplemental oxygen is administered as part of managing an illness or medical condition. Oxygen therapy may be used in a medical practitioner’s office to help deal with short-term complications such as an asthma attack or penumonia-related complications, or may be prescribed for at home use to help chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other illnesses that impact blood oxygen levels. Oxygen therapy is typically administered using some form of compressed or concentrated oxygen and a face mask or breathing tubes. It can be an easy-to-use and helpful tool for many, but can only be prescribed by a doctor, and should only be undertaken with their supervision or instructions.

Steps

Performing Long-Term Oxygen Therapy

1. Get a prescription from your doctor. Supplemental oxygen can only be acquired with a prescription from a medical professional. Talk to your doctor about any recent symptoms or illnesses you have experienced, and they will test your blood oxygen levels to determine if oxygen therapy is necessary.
   • Blood oxygen levels are typically tested using a finger probe. Such tests are often quick and painless.
2. Choose a supplemental oxygen system. If you have been prescribed supplemental oxygen, talk to your doctor about the right type of system for you, and ask for the name of a trustworthy medical supplier. Your prescription will indicate your specific flow rate and number of hours per day. Talk to your doctor about your lifestyle, work obligations, and activity level to determine the right oxygen system for you. Three are commonly available:
   • Oxygen concentrators are typically for use in the home. These devices take the oxygen in the air and remove other gasses to output air that is between 85% and 95% oxygen.
   • Oxygen cylinders use 100% oxygen that has been compressed under high pressure into a metal cylinder. Larger cylinders are often intended for home use, but smaller, portable cylinders are also available.
   • Liquid oxygen uses 100% pure oxygen that has been supercooled to store in a canister. These systems do not require electricity, and can be carried or placed in a cart for portability.
3. Use your oxygen as directed. Your specific oxygen needs will vary depending upon your lifestyle, your blood oxygen levels, and other medical conditions. Your doctor will indicate on your prescription how long you need to use supplemental oxygen each day, and at what flow rate. Follow these instructions precisely.
   • Too much oxygen could lead to hyperoxemia, while too little oxygen could lead to hypoxemia. Both could cause permanent damage to the brain, and in extreme cases may be fatal. This is why it is important to use your oxygen precisely as directed.
4. Monitor your blood oxygen levels. Look into purchasing your own finger oximeter, which will typically be available from the same medical supplies company as your supplemental oxygen. Monitor your blood oxygen levels, and make sure your saturation level stays in the 90s. If it drops below that, contact your doctor immediately to adjust your treatment.

Adapting to Using Oxygen at Home

1. Avoid open flames. Oxygen can facilitate combustion, so it is important to avoid open flames and easily flammable materials such as petroleum while using supplemental oxygen. Avoid the use of matches, lighters, candles, cigarettes, and other flammable products in your home.
   • You may choose to place “no smoking” and “no open flame” signs around your house to help remind both you and your guests that you should not use an open flame in a house with supplemental oxygen.
   • Lotions and creams that use petroleum are more likely to ignite in the presence of pure oxygen. Opt for water-based products instead to help keep you safe.
2. Use caution around other heat sources. While other heat sources that do not use an open flame can be used in an environment with supplemental oxygen, they should be used with caution. At least five feet of distance is recommended between the oxygen source and the heat source.
3. Securely store your cylinder or concentrator. Your tank or concentrator should be stored upright in an area where it will not be an obstruction. Use a secure cart or stand to help you store your tank upright. Do not allow a tank to stand or lean in an upright position. Do not store your oxygen near heat sources or in a confined, unventilated area such as a closet.
   • Store extra tanks by placing them flat on the floor in an area where others are unlikely to run into them.

Seeking Short-Term Oxygen Therapy

1. Get treatment prescribed by your doctor. Short-term oxygen therapy is undertaken at hospitals, in a doctor’s office, or in other medical settings to help raise blood oxygen levels after a temporary drop. A doctor will often prescribe oxygen treatment after checking blood oxygen levels. Typically, patients are unaware that they need oxygen, so diagnosis from a medical professional is necessary.
   • Short-term low oxygen levels are often caused by other conditions including an asthma attack, COPD, or complications with pneumonia. Let your doctor know if you’ve had any other symptoms or illnesses recently so that they can develop a proper treatment plan.
2. Have your blood oxygen levels checked. Checking blood oxygen levels is necessary to determine whether a patient needs oxygen therapy. A medical professional will use pulse oximetry, an indirect test done using a finger probe. Such testing is typically fast and causes no pain.
3. Receive treatment. Once your doctor has prescribed short-term oxygen therapy and tested your blood oxygen levels, they will administer the treatment. Oxygen can be provided in a number of ways, but is typically administered through a face mask or breathing tubes.
   • Some conditions, including decompression sickness, may require hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This is different than short-term oxygen therapy, and involves the patient being placed in a pressurized room or tube of pure oxygen.

Sources and Citations

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