Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that is most often caused by smoking. When the small pouches of air at the end of air passageways called bronchioles are destroyed, emphysema occurs, and there is no cure. It's one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. People with emphysema suffer great difficulty breathing and have insufficient oxygen in their blood, depriving cells and lungs of needed oxygen.
There are a number of medications used to treat emphysema, including steroid inhalers, antibiotics to manage infections and bronchodilators to alleviate symptoms. But since people with emphysema aren't getting enough oxygen, oxygen therapy is often prescribed to improve breathing.
Step 1
Get a prescription. You don't have to be in the hospital to receive oxygen therapy---you can do it at home any time you need it. But first, you'll need your doctor to write you a prescription for the oxygen chamber. Included will specify how much oxygen you need, and how often you need to use it.
Step 2
Get the device. Oxygen comes in gas or liquid form, in special containers with accompanying accessories that help you breathe it in. Tanks may be large and heavy, or smaller and easier to carry around. You can use oxygen therapy with either a mask that goes over the face, or tubes inserted just inside the nose that hook over the ears. Oxygen therapy can also be administered via a catheter inserted in your throat (your windpipe).
Step 3
Follow doctor's orders. Some people need to use oxygen almost all day long, and wear a mask while they sleep. Others may only need to use oxygen therapy after they've exercised or been up and moving around. How much oxygen therapy is needed is different for everyone, so your doctor will tell you just how you need to use it.
Step 4
Quit smoking. It's extremely dangerous to smoke around an oxygen tank, and smoking will only worsen emphysema symptoms and make it more difficult to breathe. It's also important to follow all other instructions from your doctor and take all prescription medications as directed.
Step 5
Follow safety precautions. Always keep your oxygen tank away from anyone who is smoking, and from fireplaces, gas stoves and candles. Keep your oxygen tank securely affixed in a secure holder or container to make sure it doesn't leak or spill. Clean your mask, nasal device and any other accessories to your oxygen regularly, and always call your doctor if you have any questions or experience any side effects.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor if you feel like your oxygen therapy isn't improving your emphysema symptoms.
- Never change how much oxygen you take or how often you take it unless prescribed by your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription
- Oxygen tank
- Stand for oxygen tank
- Mask or other accessories for oxygen
