Oxygen therapy is the administration of medical oxygen to patients who need it to improve their breathing and oxygen levels. Medical oxygen is used to treat a variety of health conditions as it is essential for life and helps the body to function properly. In this article, we will discuss the health conditions that may benefit from medical oxygen.

Health Conditions That May Benefit from Medical Oxygen

Medical oxygen can be beneficial for a variety of health conditions that affect the lungs, heart, or blood.

Some of these most common conditions include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe. COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
• Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which makes it difficult to breathe.
• Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the airways, which makes it difficult to breathe.
• Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body, which can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.
• Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause inflammation and fluid build-up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
• Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep.
• High altitude sickness is caused by the lack of oxygen at high altitudes.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when people breathe in too much carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas found in smoke from fires, car exhaust, and other sources.
• Smoke inhalation (when people breathe in smoke from fires) can cause burns to the airways, damage to the lungs, and respiratory failure.
• Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs.

How Is Medical Oxygen Administered?

Medical oxygen can be administered in several ways, depending on the patient’s needs and the severity of his or her condition.

The most common methods of administering medical oxygen include via a nasal cannula – a small tube that is placed in the nostrils and delivers a low flow of oxygen; with a face mask that covers the nose and mouth to deliver a higher flow of oxygen than a nasal cannula; or with a tracheostomy tube inserted into the trachea (windpipe) to deliver a high flow of oxygen directly to the lungs.

Risks and Side Effects of Medical Oxygen Therapy

The risks and side effects of medical oxygen therapy vary depending on the individual patient and the method of administration. Potential risks and side effects include:

Dry or irritated skin and eyes can occur when oxygen is delivered through a nasal cannula or face mask while headaches, nausea and vomiting can occur, especially if the patient is receiving a high flow of oxygen.

Dizziness may occur if a patient gets up too quickly after receiving oxygen and convulsions may be present in rare cases, especially in patients with certain medical conditions.

If oxygen is not used properly, there is the risk of a fire hazard.

People with certain medical conditions like Oxygen toxicity, Barotrauma (a condition that can damage the ears and sinuses), or Pneumothorax (a collapsed lung) should not use medical oxygen therapy without first talking to their doctor.

In fact, it is always important to talk to your doctor about whether or not medical oxygen therapy is right for you.

In general, however, medical oxygen is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of health conditions.

Are there risks attached to medical oxygen therapy?

Yes, there can be risks and side effects attached to medical oxygen therapy depending on the patient and the method of administration, like dry or irritated skin or eyes, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or convulsions

Can anybody use medical oxygen therapy?

No, not everybody can use medical oxygen therapy. People with certain medical conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen toxicity, pneumothorax, and barotrauma should not use medical oxygen therapy without advice or the assistance of their doctor.

How long do I need to use medical oxygen therapy?

The length of time that you need to use medical oxygen therapy will vary depending on your condition, so your doctor should determine how long you need to use it.

Are there different types of medical oxygen?

There are two main types of medical oxygen: liquid oxygen and gaseous oxygen. Liquid oxygen is more concentrated than gaseous oxygen, so it takes up less space.

Is medical oxygen expensive?

The cost of medical oxygen varies depending on the type of oxygen, the amount of oxygen, and the delivery method. Liquid oxygen is typically more expensive than gaseous oxygen.

Where can I get medical oxygen?

Medical oxygen can be purchased from medical oxygen suppliers, hospitals, and some pharmacies. You can also rent medical oxygen equipment from medical oxygen suppliers.

How should medical oxygen be stored?

Liquid oxygen must be stored in a special container that is designed to keep the oxygen liquid. Gaseous oxygen can be stored in a tank or cylinder. Both liquid and gaseous oxygen should be stored in a cool, dry place.