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Understanding Oxygen Therapy and its Pros and Cons

Table of Contents
lady using oxygen concentrator

I. Introduction

Giving patients' bodies more oxygen is done through a medical practice known as oxygen therapy. Patients with respiratory issues or low oxygen levels brought on by an illness or injury frequently receive treatment with it. In this article, we will discuss the definition, the mode of action, and the benefits of oxygen treatment.


II. Oxygen therapy: what is it?

A medical procedure called oxygen therapy gives a patient's body more oxygen. Patients with respiratory issues or those who have low oxygen levels as a result of disease or injury are frequently treated with it. Patients with severe respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, or emphysema must get oxygen therapy.


old man using oxygen concentrator

III. How is oxygen therapy carried out?

By increasing the body's supply of oxygen, oxygen treatment works. The additional oxygen contributes to a rise in blood oxygen levels, which can enhance breathing and lessen the strain on the heart. A nasal cannula, a tiny tube put into the nostrils, is typically used to give oxygen therapy. A continuous flow of oxygen is delivered to the patient's body through the nasal cannula, which is attached to an oxygen supply.


IV. Oxygen Therapy Types

There are various forms of oxygen therapy, such as:

  • Concentrators of Oxygen - Devices called oxygen concentrators take oxygen out of the air and distribute it to the patient. Those who require continuous oxygen therapy generally utilise them.

  • Flowing oxygen - A type of oxygen therapy called liquid oxygen is kept as a liquid in a tank. Those who require high-flow oxygen therapy typically utilise it.

  • Oxygen Compressed Gas - A type of oxygen therapy known as compressed gas oxygen is kept in a tank as a gas. Those who require high-flow oxygen therapy typically utilise it.

  • Treatment with hyperbaric oxygen - Pure oxygen is breathed in a pressurised room during hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a type of oxygen therapy. Patients with severe carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, or non-healing wounds typically receive it.

kid using oxygen concentrator

V. Who Needs Oxygen Treatment?

Patients with respiratory disorders or those who have low oxygen levels as a result of sickness or injury frequently receive oxygen treatment prescriptions. The following conditions may call for oxygen therapy:

  • Pulmonary illness with chronic obstruction (COPD)

  • Emphysema

  • Thoracic fibrosis

  • Pneumonia \sAsthma

  • Slumber apnea

  • Chest cancer

  • Heart attack

VI. Reasons to Use Oxygen Treatment

The following are a few advantages of oxygen therapy:

  • Better Breathing

By increasing the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, oxygen treatment can help patients with respiratory problems breathe better. Breathing will be made simpler and less breathless as a result.

  • Improved Energy

By enhancing the body's utilisation of oxygen, oxygen treatment can aid in boosting energy levels. Patients may feel less drowsy and more awake as a result of this.

  • Better Sleep

By lowering the number of times a patient wakes up during the night owing to low oxygen levels, oxygen therapy can assist enhance the quality of sleep. Those who get better sleep will feel more rested and have more energy throughout the day.

  • Enhanced Cognitive Performance

By boosting the quantity of oxygen getting to the brain, oxygen treatment can enhance cognitive function. Memory, concentration, and general mental clarity can all be enhanced by doing this.

  • Physical Endurance Increase

By giving the body the extra oxygen it needs for physical activity, oxygen therapy can boost physical endurance. Patients may have less weariness and be more active as a result.


VII. Risks Associated with Oxygen Treatment

Patients should be informed of some potential side effects even though oxygen therapy is usually thought to be safe. The following are a few of the most typical adverse effects of oxygen therapy:

  • Dry or sore throat, mouth, or nose

  • Inflammation or pressure sores on the skin caused by the nasal cannula or mask

  • Headaches

  • fatigue Impairment of vision

VIII. Safety Measures for Oxygen Treatment

To ensure their safety and the efficacy of the treatment, patients getting oxygen therapy should follow a few guidelines. Among the safety measures are:

  • Avoiding smoking and being around smokers because smoking can cause a fire by igniting the oxygen

  • Ensuring that open flames and other heat sources are kept away from the oxygen supply

  • Checking the oxygen supply and equipment frequently to make sure they're working properly

  • Without altering the oxygen flow rate without first speaking with a medical professional

old man using oxygen concentrator

IX. Therapy at Home with Oxygen

Whether a patient has respiratory issues or anything else, they can often receive oxygen therapy at home. There are several ways to administer oxygen therapy at home, including:

  • oxygen concentrators

  • liquid oxygen delivery methods

  • CGS (compressed gas systems) (compressed gas systems)

  • Patients who receive oxygen therapy at home may feel more at ease and require fewer trips to the hospital overall.

X. The cost of oxygen treatment

The type of therapy, its duration, and the location of administration all affect how much oxygen therapy costs. To help with the expense of care, some patients may be eligible for financial aid or insurance coverage.

woman using oxihome oxygen concentrator

XI. Where to Get Oxygen Treatment

Those who need oxygen therapy should talk to their doctor about it. If oxygen therapy is necessary and the best course of action can be decided by a doctor. Here OxiHome Rental can offer guidance on where to locate the necessary equipment and materials.


XII. Conclusion

For patients with respiratory issues or low oxygen levels, oxygen therapy is an essential kind of treatment. It can be provided via a variety of techniques, such as oxygen concentrators, compressed oxygen tanks, and the gaining in popularity rental oxygen option.


For patients who require oxygen therapy for a brief length of time, renting oxygen has emerged as the ideal choice. This choice is especially advantageous for people who need oxygen therapy when travelling, participating in outdoor sports, or as a temporary measure while recovering from a disease or injury.


Patients can receive the necessary oxygen therapy with the help of rental oxygen, which is a practical and affordable alternative to purchasing pricey equipment. The essential oxygen equipment can be rented by patients for the appropriate time and then returned after their treatment is over.


Also, patients can readily get rental oxygen services through internet platforms or nearby medical supply businesses. Since the providers routinely maintain and inspect their oxygen devices, the rental option also guarantees that patients receive dependable and high-quality equipment.


In conclusion, oxygen therapy is a successful medical alternative for people with breathing issues or low oxygen levels. Because of its simplicity, accessibility, and affordability, rental oxygen has emerged as the best choice for people with short-term needs. To choose the best course of action for their particular requirements, patients should speak with their healthcare providers.


XIII. FAQs

Q: Is oxygen therapy painful?

A: No, oxygen therapy is not painful. The nasal cannula or mask may cause some discomfort, but the therapy itself should not be painful.

Q: How long does oxygen therapy last?

A: The length of oxygen therapy depends on the patient's condition and the type of treatment. Some patients may require oxygen therapy for only a short period, while others may need it for a longer time.

Q: Can I travel with oxygen therapy?

A: Yes, patients can travel with oxygen therapy. However, it is important to plan ahead and ensure that the necessary equipment and supplies are available during travel.

Q: Can oxygen therapy cure respiratory conditions?

A: Oxygen therapy cannot cure respiratory conditions, but it can help improve breathing and provide significant symptom relief.

Q: How often should I have my oxygen levels checked?

A: The frequency of oxygen level checks depends on the patient's condition and the healthcare provider's recommendation. Some patients may need to have their oxygen levels checked regularly, while others may need less frequent monitoring.

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