Oxygen Therapy

Overview

Oxygen therapy, sometimes referred to as O2 therapy, is a type of medical intervention that provides extra oxygen, one of the most abundant gases in the universe, to people who are suffering from sudden or long-term health conditions.

The air we breathe contains approximately 21% oxygen. Although this might be sufficient for people with healthy lungs, it may not be enough for people with chronic lung conditions like COPD. That’s where oxygen therapy (O2 therapy) comes in.

Who Needs Oxygen Therapy?

Many people believe that shortness of breath is the qualifying factor that gives rise to them requiring supplemental oxygen. This is not necessarily true. Although many people who are short of breath do require therapy, additional criteria must be met before a doctor can justify writing a prescription.

Before being selected for therapy, your doctor will order an arterial blood gas (ABG) study or conduct a pulse oximetry test to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. Generally speaking, medical oxygen is required if your blood oxygen level is less than or equal to 55 mg Hg or your oxygen saturation level is 88% or lower. Once your doctor determines that your blood oxygen levels are low, she may recommend that you begin therapy.

O2 therapy is for people suffering from the any of the following conditions:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (underdeveloped lungs in newborns)
• Late-stage Heart Failure
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Sleep Apnea
• Lung Disease
• Trauma to the Respiratory System
• Chronic Migraine
• Bradypnea (abnormally slow breathing rate, especially due to the opioid use)

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 that a person may be a good candidate for supplemental oxygen.

Normal levels of arterial blood oxygen are between 75 and 100 mmHg (millimeters 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.

Some people need oxygen therapy all the time, while others need it only occasionally or in certain situations. Some oxygen therapy is done at a doctor’s office, and other times people have an oxygen supply in their homes, or a portable oxygen system.

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 color of your skin

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

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:

• reduces COPD complications
• pulmonary hypertension
• secondary polycythemia
• cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure)
• decreases arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
• emphysema
• dyspnea
• headaches
• irritability
• fatigue
• swollen ankles
• dizziness
• depression

Oxygen therapy also increases or improves:

• quality of life
• exercise tolerance
• sex life (as impotence is common occurrence among men who have COPD)
• safety in air travel
• enjoyment in adventurous trips or hiking
• social life

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 behavioral changes or problems.

What are the guidelines for using oxygen therapy?

The 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. It is essential that you 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.

Are There Any Side Effects Associated with Supplemental Oxygen?

When used correctly, it is both safe and effective. Like any prescription drug, however, side effects may occur. The following includes the most commonly reported side effects associated with supplemental oxygen and oxygen therapy equipment:

• Nasal dryness – Supplemental oxygen can have a drying effect on your entire respiratory tract starting with your nose and nasal passages. Using a moisturizing product such as AYR Saline Nasal Mist can help lubricate your nasal passages making the therapy more comfortable.

• Skin irritation – Given that the prongs of the nasal cannula rest just inside the nares, it’s not uncommon for the skin in that area to become red and irritated. Applying AYR  Nasal Gel in and around the nasal openings may help soothe this highly sensitive area, providing protection against skin breakdown.

• Risk of fire – Although oxygen is not flammable in and of itself, it supports combustion meaning that things that burn more readily in its presence. Never smoke or allow anyone to smoke while using supplemental oxygen. Avoid using your oxygen near an open flame or others sources of heat such as an electric stove. Steer clear of personal care products that contain petroleum.

• Suppression of the drive to breathe – The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute reports that this type of therapy may suppress the drive to breathe in a select group of patients. This can generally be managed by adjusting your oxygen flow rate.² That said, it’s important that you always follow your doctor’s orders regarding your oxygen prescription. Never increase your oxygen dose without first checking with your health care provider.

Safety Tips

There are important safety factors to keep in mind when using oxygen. Oxygen is a safe gas and is non-flammable, however it supports combustion. Materials burn more readily in an oxygen-enriched environment. Follow these tips for safe oxygen use:

• Post “No Smoking” and “No Open Flames” signs in and outside your home to remind people not to smoke
• Avoid open flames in the presence of oxygen such as matches, cigarette lighters, candles and burning tobacco. Insist that people who wish to smoke step outside your home.
• Use caution around other sources of heat, such as electric or gas heaters and/or stoves—at least 5 feet is a recommended distance between oxygen and other heat sources.
• Avoid using lotions or creams containing petroleum, which are more likely to catch fire in the presence of oxygen. Use water-based products instead.
• Store cylinders safely in an upright position, secured in an approved cart or storage device.
• Remember that oxygen supply valves should be turned off when not in use.
• Always follow the instructions of your oxygen supply company regarding safe usage.
• Losing access to oxygen can be very dangerous if you need oxygen continually. Make sure to have backup equipment (normally a large oxygen tank) and tell your power company that you have life-sustaining equipment in your home.

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