Oxygen therapy, also known as supplemental oxygen therapy, involves providing extra oxygen to patients who cannot get enough oxygen to their tissues due to certain medical conditions or low oxygen levels in the blood. Supplemental oxygen is an important treatment option for many acute and chronic medical illnesses and has been shown to be beneficial in improving the signs and symptoms of various conditions.
What is Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy involves the delivery of extra oxygen through different devices like nasal cannulas, masks, or Venturi masks. Oxygen concentrators, liquid oxygen containers, and oxygen cylinders are commonly used to deliver supplemental oxygen to patients requiring it. The dose and flow rate of supplemental oxygen are determined based on the patient's condition, symptoms, and oxygen saturation levels assessed through pulse oximetry monitoring.
When is Oxygen Therapy Used?
Some common conditions where oxygen therapy is often prescribed include:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
COPD is a chronic lung disease characterized by damaged airways and limited airflow. The damage to the lungs caused by COPD makes it difficult for enough oxygen to enter the bloodstream. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygen saturation and reduces shortness of breath and fatigue in COPD patients.
Lung Infections:
Lung infections like pneumonia can impair gas exchange in the lungs and lower oxygen levels in the blood. Supplemental oxygen improves oxygen delivery and aids in recovery. It is commonly used in hospital settings for patients with severe pneumonia.
Congestive Heart Failure:
In congestive heart failure, fluids build up in the lungs impairing breathing. Oxygen therapy increases oxygen saturation and relieves breathlessness.
Pulmonary Embolism:
Blood clots in the lungs hamper oxygen transfer. Oxygen therapy mitigates low oxygen levels caused by pulmonary embolism and alleviates symptoms.
Pre and Post-surgery:
Patients undergoing surgery requiring general anesthesia are given oxygen pre and post-surgery to prevent hypoxemia and aid recovery. Oxygen is also prescribed after lung surgery or chest trauma.
Benefits of Oxygen Therapy
By delivering extra oxygen to tissues, supplemental Oxygen Therapy provides several important benefits:
Relieves Shortness of Breath
One of the primary purposes of oxygen therapy is to improve breathing and reduce dyspnea or shortness of breath. By supplementing oxygen levels in the blood, it alleviates breathlessness experienced due to lung diseases.
Lessens Fatigue and Weakness
Low blood oxygen can cause tiredness and lethargy. Oxygen therapy boosts energy levels and reduces fatigue by enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues.
Improves Heart and lung Function
Adequate oxygenation improves the functioning of vital organs like the heart and lungs. It lowers heart rate and respiratory rate for patients in distress.
Speeds Healing Post-surgery or Injury
Supplemental oxygen hastens recovery after lung surgery, accidents, or chest trauma by meeting increased oxygen demands of healing tissues.
Extends Survival
For patients with end-stage lung diseases like COPD, oxygen therapy improves quality of life and longevity by preventing hypoxemic complications.
Thus, by replenishing oxygen deficits, supplemental oxygen therapy alleviates the signs and symptoms of various acute and chronic medical conditions affecting oxygen saturation. However, it is not a cure for lung diseases but plays an important supportive role.
Safety Considerations and Side Effects of Oxygen Therapy
While oxygen therapy is generally well-tolerated, certain safety aspects need attention. Some potential risks include:
Fire Hazards - Oxygen supports combustion and therefore oxygen delivery devices and connectors should not come in contact with flames, sparks, or heat sources to prevent fires. 'No Smoking' rules apply.
Physical Hazards - Oxygen tanks and equipment need proper secure handling and transportation to avoid risks of falls, collisions etc. Regulators and tubing should not kink or break.
Dryness of Mouth and Throat - High concentration of oxygen drying the respiratory tract is common but usually mild. Carrying water and using humidification helps.
Oxygen Toxicity - Prolonged exposure to high oxygen levels greater than 50% for over 24 hours can damage the lungs in preterm infants. This risk is minimal for adults.
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