Home oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that is administered to patients who have low blood oxygen levels as a result of a variety of diseases or ailments.
Oxygen therapy has the potential to enhance the quality of life and survival rate of these patients; yet, if it is not administered correctly, it also poses significant hazards to their safety.
One of the most risky and reckless habits that some people who use home oxygen concentrators participate in is smoking while they are on oxygen. It is possible to cause severe harm to oneself and others by smoking while on oxygen therapy. Additionally, smoking can make the underlying health condition that necessitates oxygen therapy much more severe.
Let us discuss the dangers of home oxygen therapy while smoking, breaking them down into four categories: the risk of fire, the risk of bodily injury, the risk of infection, and the risk of oxygen toxicity or hypoxia:
Fire Hazard
The possibility of fire is one of the most evident and immediate concerns that might arise from smoking while having oxygen in your system. Even though oxygen does not have the ability to ignite on its own, it does generate an atmosphere that makes it easier for flames to start and burn more quickly.
Air that is considered normal has 21 percent oxygen, however oxygen that is considered supplemental might have up to 100 percent oxygen. As a result, any spark or flame that comes into touch with oxygen-enriched air has the potential to start a fire that is both more intense and more challenging to put out than a fire that is burning in air that is not oxygen-enriched.
It is sufficient to use smoking materials to start a fire when oxygen is being used. Examples of smoking materials include matches, lighters, cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.
Bodily Injury
The possibility of sustaining a bodily injury is yet another concern associated with smoking while on oxygen.
The enhanced oxygen levels that are present on the hair, skin, and clothing of individuals who are undergoing oxygen therapy continue to be there even after the oxygen is turned off. In the event that smoking materials are brought close to the mouth, this poses the risk of severe burns on the head and face, as well as burns on the rest of the body if clothing catches fire.
Pain, scarring, infection, and even permanent impairment are all potential outcomes of burns. Additionally, smoking while on oxygen can cause damage to the oxygen equipment, which includes the concentrator, tank, or cylinder, all of which are subjected to a severe amount of pressure.
Infection
Smoking while on oxygen poses another serious concern, which is the possibility of contracting an infection.
Tobacco use can have a negative impact on the immune system, making it more difficult to fight off diseases. Additionally, smoking can raise the risk of respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, which can make the condition that requires oxygen therapy even more severe.
In addition, the incorrect utilisation of oxygen equipment can result in symptoms of illness or infection.
The nasal cannula and tubing should be changed in accordance with the recommendations provided by the manufacturer, and it is essential to maintain adequate hand hygiene standards.
The use of equipment that is filthy or contaminated can result in the introduction of germs or viruses into the lungs and airways, which can lead to some very significant consequences.
Oxygen Toxicity or Hypoxia
Smoking while on oxygen has a number of risks, one of which being the possibility of oxygen poisoning or hypoxia.
When an excessive amount of oxygen is supplied to the body, a condition known as oxygen poisoning can occur. This condition can result in symptoms such as a headache, nausea, confusion, seizures, or even coma.
Toxic levels of oxygen can cause damage to the lungs and other organs, and it can even bring about death. When the body receives an inadequate amount of oxygen, a condition known as hypoxia can develop. This condition can result in symptoms such as light headedness, weariness, shortness of breath, or even loss of consciousness.
Hypoxia has the potential to not only be lethal but also to affect the brain and other essential functions. Only in accordance with the instructions provided by a medical professional can supplemental oxygen be utilised.
Adjusting the flow rate or duration of oxygen therapy without the supervision of a medical professional can result in either oxygen poisoning or hypoxia.
Conclusion
To summarise, smoking while you are using oxygen for therapy is a risky and reckless conduct that can have severe repercussions for both the smoker and others around them.
In addition to causing fire, injuries to the body, infections, and oxygen toxicity or hypoxia, smoking while on oxygen can set off fires.
By adhering to the safety recommendations and instructions that are supplied by the oxygen provider and the physician, it is possible to avoid potentially harmful situations.
Taking oxygen when smoking is not a risk that should be taken. In fact, kicking the habit of smoking is the most effective strategy to protect oneself against these risks and to enhance one’s health and well-being.
