Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that involves the administration of supplemental medical oxygen to patients who have low oxygen levels in their blood. It is a crucial component of medical care, particularly in the field of geriatric medicine.
Geriatric medicine focuses on the health and well-being of older adults, who often experience age-related changes that can lead to oxygen deficiencies. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of oxygen therapy in geriatric medicine.
Oxygen Therapy for Hypoxemia
Hypoxemia, a condition characterised by low levels of oxygen in the blood, is commonly seen in geriatric patients. Oxygen therapy can help address it by providing supplemental oxygen.
Oxygen therapy helps increase the oxygen levels in the blood, improving overall tissue oxygenation and organ function. Adequate oxygen supply promotes increased energy levels, reduces fatigue, and improves physical endurance.
Sufficient oxygenation to the brain supports cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity. Oxygen therapy aids in wound healing by promoting tissue oxygenation and cell regeneration.
Prolonged use of oxygen therapy may lead to oxygen dependence, making it challenging to wean off supplemental oxygen. Continuous oxygen flow can cause dryness and irritation in the nasal passages, throat, and skin. Proper humidification and moisturisation may be required to alleviate these symptoms.
Oxygen supports combustion, so there is a risk of fire if oxygen therapy is not used safely. It is crucial to follow proper safety guidelines and avoid smoking or using flammable materials in the vicinity of oxygen equipment.
Oxygen Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a common respiratory condition in elderly individuals, characterised by airflow limitation. Oxygen therapy plays a crucial role in managing this condition, especially during exacerbations.
Supplemental oxygen helps alleviate breathlessness and shortness of breath, allowing patients to engage in daily activities with greater ease. Adequate oxygenation can help prevent respiratory complications and reduce the frequency of hospitalisations related to COPD exacerbations.
Oxygen therapy improves the overall quality of life for COPD patients by reducing symptoms, improving sleep, and enhancing physical functioning.
Long-term oxygen therapy may lead to desensitisation of the respiratory drive, resulting in decreased responsiveness to low oxygen levels; therefore, close monitoring is necessary to prevent oxygen desensitisation. In some cases, administering high-flow oxygen to COPD patients can lead to an increased risk of retaining carbon dioxide (hypercapnia).
Oxygen Therapy for Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a common respiratory infection in the elderly, and oxygen therapy can be beneficial in managing it:
Oxygen therapy helps maintain optimal oxygen saturation levels, ensuring adequate tissue oxygenation during pneumonia. Supplemental oxygen can alleviate respiratory distress, such as rapid breathing and shortness of breath, providing relief to patients.
Adequate oxygen supply supports the body’s immune response and aids in the recovery process from pneumonia.
Excessive oxygen administration can lead to hyperoxia, which may have adverse effects such as oxygen toxicity or oxidative stress. Close monitoring of oxygen levels is vital to avoid over-oxygenation.
Proper infection control measures need to be followed when using oxygen therapy to prevent the spread of infection, therefore, regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment are necessary.
Oxygen Therapy for Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterised by high blood pressure in the lungs and can be effectively managed with oxygen therapy.
Oxygen therapy helps optimise oxygen levels in the blood, reducing the strain on the heart and improving symptoms associated with pulmonary hypertension. Supplemental oxygen can help relax pulmonary blood vessels and reduce vasoconstriction, improving blood flow to the lungs.
Oxygen therapy allows patients to engage in physical activities with less exertion, improving exercise tolerance and overall quality of life.
Oxygen therapy may be less effective in advanced stages of pulmonary hypertension when pulmonary vascular resistance is significantly advanced.
Long-term oxygen therapy may require strict compliance, including the use of portable oxygen devices and adherence to prescribed oxygen flow rates.
Oxygen Therapy for Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea, a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing during sleep and often experienced during old age, can also be managed with oxygen therapy:
Oxygen therapy helps maintain oxygen levels during sleep, reducing the frequency of breathing interruptions and improving sleep quality. Adequate oxygenation during sleep can alleviate daytime sleepiness and improve alertness and cognitive function.
Oxygen therapy can help reduce the cardiovascular strain associated with sleep apnoea, minimising the risk of heart-related complications.
Oxygen therapy may not be effective for all types of sleep apnoea and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or other specialised treatments may be required for optimal management.
The use of oxygen equipment during sleep may cause discomfort or skin irritation.
Other Useful Ways in Which Oxygen Therapy is Used in Geriatric Medicine
- Oxygen therapy is frequently employed in the post-surgical phase to aid in recovery and prevent complications. This can help reduce the risk of respiratory complications and promote healing.
- Heart failure is a prevalent condition among older adults, characterised by the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively. Oxygen therapy can be beneficial in heart failure management by improving oxygenation and reducing the workload on the heart.
- In geriatric medicine, oxygen therapy also plays a crucial role in palliative care for patients with terminal illnesses. It helps manage symptoms such as dyspnoea (shortness of breath), providing comfort and enhancing quality of life.
Oxygen concentrators, which extract oxygen from the surrounding air, are commonly used in palliative care settings as they offer a steady supply of oxygen and eliminate the need for oxygen cylinders.
