Oxygen Therapy for Pulmonary Conditions
Oxygen is an important component in the air we breathe and is vital to human life. Some people who have lung conditions and have trouble breathing may need extra oxygen to help them feel better and lead more active lives.
Oxygen therapy can help people who do not have enough oxygen in their blood. Oxygen therapy provides air with a higher concentration of oxygen than normal to help increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, making breathing easier.
Who Needs Oxygen Therapy?
Some chronic lung conditions make it difficult to get the right amount of oxygen to the lungs to function normally. Sometimes additional oxygen is needed, either temporarily or in the long-term. Your doctor may order tests to assess your need for supplemental oxygen and whether your symptoms can be helped by oxygen therapy.
Some lung conditions may indicate the need for supplemental oxygen including:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pneumonia
- Severe asthma
- Cystic fibrosis
- Sleep apnea
Your doctor will work with you to assess your need for oxygen therapy and then determine the best option for home therapy. There are several different types of oxygen delivery systems including portable devices you can take on the go.
What to Expect During Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy may be delivered in a hospital, clinic or at home. Oxygen therapy is usually administered through nasal prongs (two small tubes that enter the nose) or a face mask. Depending on your condition, you may need oxygen therapy for short periods during the day or for longer periods during the day and night.
Home oxygen therapy involves breathing in air that has more oxygen than normal through a special device that is kept in the home. There are small and quiet portable devices that provide supplemental oxygen while out of the home. Your health care provider will help choose the equipment that works best for you and determine how much oxygen your body needs to feel better.
Use a Pulse Oximeter to Test Oxygen Levels
If you have a lung condition your doctor may recommend using a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen levels. A pulse oximeter is a small electronic device placed on the finger that can provide a simple, quick and safe measure of the oxygen levels in your body without the use of needles.
Most healthy people have blood oxygen levels between 95 percent and 100 percent, but this can be lower for people with lung problems. Your health care provider will instruct you on how to use a pulse oximeter.
What Are the Benefits of Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy does not cure lung disease but can help improve symptoms and organ function. Those with chronic lung diseases find that supplemental oxygen helps them:
- Be less short of breath
- Stay active
- Sleep better
- Feel less fatigued and have more energy
What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy is considered very safe. The biggest safety measure is using oxygen safely to avoid fire. When using oxygen therapy follow these precautions:
- Keep away from heat and flame
- Do not smoke or allow others to smoke near you
- Do not use electrical appliances
- Always have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors nearby
- Do not use aerosols, vapor rubs or oils
- Always store oxygen safely and in an upright position
- Turn off oxygen when not using
Contact Us
Your RWJBarnabas Health pulmonologist will be able to assess your oxygen needs and guide you toward oxygen therapy if it is right for you. Contact an us to request an appointment today.