Oxygen therapy helps people increase their oxygen intake to combat breathing difficulty, decrease fatigue and improve sleep. Oxygen therapy can also stretch the lifespan of those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Major organs need oxygen to function properly and oxygen helps your body convert food into energy according to Medline Plus. Most of the side effects from oxygen therapy are due to how oxygen is delivered rather than the oxygen itself.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can be caused by oxygen therapy due to drying out the nasal passages. Nasal cannula, (two small plastic tubes used to carry the oxygen which are inserted in the nostrils) can then irritate the nasal surface and expose blood vessels causing bleeding through the thin skin surface of the nasal passages. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states a nasal spray or humidifier can assist in keeping the nasal passages from drying out to the point of producing nosebleeds.
Skin Irritation
Whether a face mask or nasal cannula are used to deliver oxygen therapy, skin irritation can result. If the area of an oxygen mask or nasal cannula are too irritated, it may cause the patient to remove the equipment delivering the needed oxygen and added pain to the already suffering person using oxygen therapy results. Your Lung Health recommends using a water-based lubricant on lips or nostrils depending on whether you are using a face mask or nasal cannula. Help prevent cheeks and the thin skin behind your ears from being irritated by using some gauze under the tubing.
Infection
Infection can easily become a side effect of oxygen therapy if all surfaces of the oxygen delivery system aren’t antiseptic. Besides regular and careful hand washing, Your Lung Health recommends cleansing all surfaces of the tubing, face mask, cannula and oxygen tanks and equipment with mild detergent and then rinsing with clean water. The equipment should also be sanitized with a solution of water and vinegar mixed in a three to one ratio. A humidifier, any filters and any other equipment such as an inhaler or nebulizer also should be regularly cleansed, sanitized, rinsed and dried before use.
Headaches
Morning headaches can be a side effect of oxygen therapy. The flow rate of oxygen may need to be adjusted if you suffer headaches from oxygen use. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, you should contact your physician for a possible change of how long you use oxygen per day or a flow rate adjustment if headaches become a problem.
Mucus Balls
Mucus balls can form as a side effect because of airways drying out during oxygen therapy. This can be especially problematic if transtracheal oxygen therapy is called for. This oxygen therapy is delivered though a surgical hole in your neck to the windpipe. The tubing inserted in the resulting tracheostomy can have mucus balls form on it which may cause coughing, clog your windpipe or the tubing. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states this is a serious condition and therefore transtracheal oxygen therapy must be closely monitored.
