What is Oxygen Therapy?
O2 Therapy, also known as Oxygen Therapy or Supplemental Oxygen, is for patients who are finding themselves short of breath from one of many symptoms. Mainly the treatment itself delivers oxygen gas through one of the three following methods:
- A tube resting in your nose
- A tube placed in your windpipe, or trachea.
- Or a face mask
When undergoing this treatment, the goal is to increase the amount of oxygen going to a patient’s lungs, which will deliver O2 to your bloodstream. At Enhanced Rehabilitation Services we utilize a system known as PulseOx. This method measures and monitors the oxygen saturation in the blood is at a proper level. If oxygen levels are not at an optimal level, we can modify with medication or raise the saturation level of 02.
Causes and Symptoms related to Oxygen Therapy
The length of time someone may need O2 Therapy depends on what is causing the condition. In most cases, physicians prescribe O2 Therapy when you have a disease or problem that causes low blood oxygen levels. Depending on the length of time the condition has gone untreated low blood oxygen can make you feel short of breath, tired, confused, and in severe cases damage your body. Anyone of the following conditions could require a person to need 02 Therapy:
- COPD
- Emphysema
- Asthma
- Sleep Apnea
- Cancer patients
- Lupus
- MS
- Quadriplegic
Benefits of In-Home O2 Therapy
Depending on the specific situation each patient will notice different benefits that include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Can help patients get off of oxygen if they were never on oxygen before
- Helps prevent sleep apnea
- Reduce risk of rehospitalization
- Reduce risk of COPD exacerbation or progression of emphysema or asthma
- Minimize doctors visits
- Allows people to manage their disease at home
Oxygen Tank Usage and Storage
Tanks are used to store oxygen whether in a liquid or gas form. The tanks will need to be refilled periodically depending on usage and can be delivered to your home on a regular basis or as prescribed by a physician. In the house, portable tanks will make it easier for you to move around while going about your everyday life.
It is important to remember that oxygen is highly flammable; therefore it is strongly advised never to smoke or have an open flame within proximity to the tank.
Talk to a Cardiopulmonary & O2 Therapy Specialist Today
If you have questions about yourself or a loved one, please give us a call today. We are for you when you need us!