What about the use of oxygen in sleep apnoea individuals?
At times Oxygen is used with CPAP machines to maintain oxygen levels during sleep
What are the different types of oxygen therapies?
There are many ways to administer oxygen. They include oxygen through a nasal cannula, face mask, oxygen vent mask, oxygen non-breather masks, oxygen through mechanical ventilation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Is it used in other medical emergencies?
Certainly, it is also used in individuals with drowning, in individuals who have carbon monoxide poisoning, in persons with asthma or bronchitis or those suddenly exposed to smoke and dust, causing severe hypoxia or low levels in the blood. Oxygen was a savior during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How do you monitor and follow patients on oxygen therapy?
Oxygen levels are generally monitored with pulse oximetry, or certain blood tests to adjust therapy as needed. Care under your local family doctor would ensure safe and effective use of oxygen.
What about oxygen therapy at home?
Some people with chronic conditions like COPD or interstitial lung disease or post Covid complications may require portable oxygen concentrators which allow for mobility. While larger units may provide high concentrations at increased pressure.
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used for conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, wound healing, and decompression sickness. This facility is not available at all places. This is highly effective in certain medical conditions
What are the benefits of oxygen therapy?
There are multiple benefits of oxygen therapy. It increases or improves energy in patients who have low levels. It improves the breathing efficiency and reduces breathlessness. It reduces strain on the heart and lungs by supplying sufficient oxygen. It may improve quality of sleep, particularly in individuals with sleep apnoea., restoring oxygen levels in individuals who have low oxygen in their blood, may improve their concentration, memory, and clarity of mind in some with low levels in the blood oxygen therapy improve healing. after surgical injuries and infection.
Is oxygen therapy always safe ?
Oxygen therapy should be administered by individuals who are trained to do that. Oxygen therapy can dry out nasal passages or cause throat discomfort in such situations, Humidifiers help deliver oxygen at high concentrations for a prolonged period of time without irritating the airway passage. High concentration of oxygen over prolonged periods can damage the lungs and cause oxygen toxicity. Oxygen is highly flammable, so caution is needed around flames or smoking, and when patients are transmitted with oxygen cylinders in an ambulance.
