Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy allows people with ailments such as asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, occupational lung disease, chronic bronchitis, and congestive heart failure, to reclaim an active and productive lifestyle. With a prescription determining one's own specific needs, oxygen therapy is administered to clients continuously throughout the day or during specific times; such as sleep or exercise.

Oxygen therapy is commonly delivered as a compressed gas in a mobile tank that feeds oxygen to the respiratory system through a nasal canula; a two-pronged tubing device inserted into the nostrils. However, oxygen masks are available to those who are in need of a higher dosage of oxygen, as well as for users who suffer from clogged or irritated nostrils. In addition, transtracheal oxygen therapy is offered through the installation of a catheter into the windpipe. Since this type of oxygen therapy bypasses the mouth and nasal passages, the use of a humidifier is absolutely necessary.

When using oxygen therapy, some important precautions should be taken. Oxygen users should never smoke or be around smokers. Oxygen users should stay at least five feet away from heat sources. And, the use of flammable products should be eliminated while oxygen is being administered.

By Staff