When you take in a breath of air, oxygen transfers from your lungs to your blood. If your lungs are unable to deliver an adequate amount of oxygen to your blood, then you may require supplemental oxygen. Various diseases can cause this cardiopulmonary dysfunction, and your health care provider may prescribe oxygen therapy to help normalize oxygen levels in your blood.
Signs
You may or may not know when you need oxygen therapy. Watch for signs of an insufficient amount of oxygen in the blood, also known as hypoxemia. Signs of hypoxemia may include labored breathing, pallor, blue nail beds or lips, heart palpitations, sweating, confusion and agitation. You should seek medical attention promptly if you have any of these problems. If worsening hypoxemia goes untreated, a loss of consciousness and even death may ultimately occur.
Tests
Oxygen saturation refers to the percent of accessible oxygen in the blood. You may require oxygen therapy if your oxygen saturation drops lower than 90 percent. Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas testing are two ways that your oxygen saturation can be determined. The results of these tests are used by clinicians to establish what your oxygen therapy needs are.
Pulse oximetry involves using a simple, noninvasive device. A probe is placed on your toe, finger or earlobe, and the oximeter indirectly measures the oxygen saturation using red and infrared light.
Arterial blood gas testing requires a clinician to draw a blood sample out of an artery, usually in one of your wrists. Arterial blood gases are invasive but offer more information about your condition than just oxygen saturation. They can be useful diagnostic tools, especially in complex critical care situations.
Oxygen Systems
Oxygen therapy is commonly used in the hospital setting. For example, patients with acute respiratory decompensation, trauma or impaired cardiac function are likely to require supplemental oxygen. Usually, in the hospital setting, large oxygen supply systems pipe the gas directly to the patients' rooms and care areas.
Patients also use oxygen therapy for chronic conditions at home. Cylinders of compressed oxygen, liquid oxygen systems or oxygen concentrators are options for home therapy. You, your physician and your home care equipment company determine which oxygen system is most appropriate.
Delivery Devices
In the hospital setting, many different types of oxygen delivery devices exist. These devices can vary from simple plastic face masks to oxygen tents to mechanical ventilators.
In the home care setting, plastic tubes with prongs that rest in your nostrils, called nasal cannulas, are commonly used. A more invasive option is the transtracheal oxygen catheter, which is a tube that is surgically inserted into your trachea. When high flow rates are desired or your activity level is increased, your health care provider may recommend demand delivery or reservoir devices. You and your health care provider should discuss which delivery device works best for your particular needs.
Warning
You must always keep oxygen therapy equipment away from flammable items, as oxygen can explode. Be aware that supplemental oxygen is considered a medication, and that it may be hazardous if handled improperly. However, if you use your oxygen therapy as your doctor advises, there is little chance of harm to you or your surroundings.
References
- "Nursing"; Basics of Oxygen Therapy; William C. Pruitt & Michael Jacobs; October 2003
- Oxygen Therapy
- Oxygen Therapy
- Types of Oxygen Therapy Systems
