Oxygen concentrators are excellent machines that help provide pure oxygen to patients without the need for expensive compressed canisters of oxygen being delivered to the home. Compressed canisters run out, whereas oxygen concentrators do not and can continue to provide pure oxygen for as long as needed.

However, what conditions must a person have to warrant the use of an oxygen concentrator? In what cases might a doctor recommend you use an oxygen concentrator to provide supplemental oxygen therapy?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the most common condition for which supplemental oxygen treatment is required. It is one of the most common respiratory conditions globally, with more than 65 million people worldwide suffering from it. This disease is an umbrella term which basically incorporates two key but different diseases. One is chronic bronchitis and the second is emphysema.

Bronchitis affects airways leading to the lungs called bronchioles, which can become hardened and inflamed, thereby preventing breathing and the clearing of mucus buildup. When mucus cannot be cleared, it can cause lung infections and make a person quite sick. Usually, bronchitis is acute and temporary. However, there are some cases of permanent chronic bronchitis, although this is rare.

Emphysema, on the other hand, is a permanent condition typically associated with damage to the lungs caused by smoking or the inhalation of other harmful gasses. Those who suffer from emphysema suffer from damage to the alveoli in their lungs. These tiny air sacs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide when breathing. When the alveoli are damaged, they can swell and fill up with fluid, making the lungs less efficient at producing oxygen and transferring it to the body. The ultimate effect is a lack of elasticity in the lungs, making breathing difficult.

Cystic Fibrosis 

Cystic fibrosis is another common disease that causes damage to the digestive system and damage to the lungs as well. It is a hereditary condition and typically affects young people. Cystic fibrosis causes a mutation in the gene that makes the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein. This protein helps to manage and regulate salt and fluids in the body. Those who suffer from cystic fibrosis will typically have excess sweat and mucus buildup both inside and outside the body, which can cause ongoing infections, blockages and more, making breathing difficult. Therefore, oxygen treatment could be extremely helpful.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis prevents the lungs from expanding to their fullest extent, leaving the sufferer feeling unable to breathe. Pulmonary fibrosis is characterised by scar tissue, which typically occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to pollution. It makes the lungs stiff and weak and prevents them from expanding, resulting in the sufferer’s inability to inhale and exhale properly. Owing to this condition, the body cannot absorb sufficient amounts of oxygen and, therefore, could benefit greatly from having supplemental oxygen supplied by an oxygen concentrator.

Severe Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory conditions in the world and has been growing in numbers since the 1970s ‒ likely due to increased air pollution in urban areas ‒ thus more and more people need to be treated. During asthma attacks, airways can become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. It can also cause chest pain and fatigue due to reduced oxygen.

The upside of asthma is that it is not considered a progressive disease. However, it is typically a chronic condition and needs to be managed daily. Supplementary oxygen treatment is only needed in severe cases. For the most part, asthma can be treated effectively without it. However, supplemental oxygen treatment can benefit all people with asthma, even if it is not always strictly necessary.

At Limitless Health, our range of oxygen concentrators and associated equipment can help you ensure that your condition is treated properly. Browse our online store and start your journey to better breathing today!