Understanding Oxygen Therapy: Benefits, Risks, and Best Practices

Millions of patients across the globe require oxygen therapy to help manage their chronic breathing conditions and live better. With over 300 million people in the world living with asthma and COPD being the third leading cause of death, oxygen therapy has become a common treatment for many chronic respiratory conditions.

However, there are many facts about oxygen therapy that many patients, and even some healthcare professionals, do not know.

Most people don’t fully understand what oxygen therapy is, when it’s needed and how to use it safely.

Let’s break it down and look at…

• What Oxygen Therapy Really Is
• Who Needs Oxygen Therapy?
• The Real Benefits You Can Expect
• Common Risks to Look Out For
• Tips for Safe and Successful Oxygen Use

What Is Oxygen Therapy?

Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment where you breathe supplemental oxygen to help maintain healthy levels of oxygen in your blood.

When you have a chronic condition that limits your ability to get enough oxygen into your body, supplemental oxygen can help bridge the gap and ensure your body has the oxygen it needs.

This can be delivered with the help of medical equipment such as nasal cannulas or oxygen masks. Some patients are also exploring the potential of hyperbaric chamber benefits for specific oxygen conditions.

Types of Oxygen Therapy:

• Continuous oxygen therapy – 24/7 use for severe respiratory conditions
• Intermittent oxygen therapy – Only used during activities
• Short-burst oxygen therapy – Before or after exercise or activity
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – In a pressurized hyperbaric oxygen chamber

The right type of oxygen therapy for you will be based entirely on your specific medical condition and oxygen needs.

Who Actually Needs Oxygen Therapy?

If you have a breathing problem, it does not automatically mean you need oxygen therapy.

Oxygen therapy is most commonly prescribed when a patient has low blood oxygen levels. Doctors will use a simple test to measure your blood oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter, or in some cases with a blood gas test.

If your blood oxygen level is under a certain point (usually 88-90%), your doctor may decide to add supplemental oxygen to your treatment plan.

The most common conditions that require oxygen therapy are:

• COPD
• Severe asthma
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Sleep apnea
• Pneumonia
• Heart failure

One fact many people may not realize…

There are currently over 1 million Americans prescribed long-term oxygen therapy. This number continues to grow each year as our population ages and respiratory diseases become more common.

The Benefits of Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy can deliver real and measurable health benefits when used properly and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

The biggest benefit? Improved survival rates in people with chronic hypoxemia (low blood oxygen).

Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, oxygen therapy was proven to improve 5-year survival in people with COPD and severe resting hypoxemia from 33% all the way up to 55%.

Oxygen therapy can help patients:

• Reduce breathlessness and fatigue – Many patients feel less tired and more energetic when their oxygen levels are properly maintained.
• Improve exercise capacity – With more oxygen available, patients can be more active and complete daily tasks that may have been difficult or exhausting before.
• Better sleep quality – Proper oxygen levels at night helps patients wake up feeling more refreshed.
• Improved mental function – Supplemental oxygen can improve mental concentration, memory and cognition.
• Decreased hospital visits – Proper oxygen therapy management can help reduce exacerbations and hospital admissions.

The key to receiving these benefits is to use oxygen therapy exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Understanding the Risks of Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy is generally very safe, but like any medical treatment it does have some potential risks to be aware of.

Fire Hazard

This is the primary risk of oxygen therapy. Oxygen increases the flammability of all materials. You should never smoke or allow open flames near oxygen equipment. This includes gas stoves and candles.

Oxygen Toxicity

This is when your lungs are damaged from breathing in too much oxygen for an extended period of time. This is rare with modern oxygen therapy. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on oxygen flow rates and usage.

Dry Airways

Dry mouth, throat, and nose is very common for oxygen therapy users. Humidifier attachments on your equipment can help avoid this issue.

Tripping Hazards

The tubing can pose a trip hazard for the elderly or those with balance issues. Be sure to manage your tubing properly to avoid trips and falls.

Carbon Dioxide Retention

In rare cases, people with COPD can retain carbon dioxide if they are given too much supplemental oxygen. Your doctor will carefully follow your CO2 levels to ensure this does not occur.

Best Practices to Follow

You can get the most benefit from oxygen therapy, while also staying safe, by following these top practices…

• Use as prescribed – Never adjust the flow rate without your doctor’s permission.
• Keep equipment clean – Prevent infection and ensure proper function with routine equipment cleaning.
• Have backup supplies – In case of equipment failure or power outage.
• Stay active – Use portable concentrators when away from home.
• Monitor your oxygen levels – Keep track of your saturation levels and report any changes to your doctor.
• Maintain your equipment – Routine maintenance on your oxygen concentrator is important.
• Tell everyone – Make sure your family members and any caregivers know about your oxygen therapy and safety needs.

Regular Follow-Up With Your Doctor Is Important

Oxygen therapy is not a “set it and forget it” type of treatment.

Oxygen requirements can change over time. Some patients improve and are weaned off oxygen therapy, while others have to increase their flow rates or usage time as their condition progresses.

Regular doctor visits are needed to reassess:

• Oxygen saturation levels
• Exercise tolerance
• Improvement of symptoms
• Functioning of equipment
• Adherence to oxygen therapy plan

These check-ups will ensure you are getting as much benefit as possible from your oxygen therapy treatment.

Final Thoughts on Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy is an important and life-changing treatment for millions of people with chronic respiratory conditions.

Used properly, under the care of a doctor, oxygen therapy can significantly improve the quality of life, reduce symptoms, and even in some cases improve survival.

The important things to know are, exactly what oxygen therapy is, using your oxygen therapy as prescribed by your doctor, and to take the necessary safety precautions with oxygen equipment.

Remember that oxygen therapy will work best when it is one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan should include medications as prescribed by your doctor, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-ups.

If you are struggling with breathing and your doctor has diagnosed you with a chronic respiratory condition, ask them if oxygen therapy might be able to help you breathe easier and live a better life.