Oxygen is an important gas used by the body to make energy. Once breathed inside the body, oxygen goes to the lungs, and from the lungs it mixes with the blood, which then transports it to the rest of the organs and bodily systems. In conditions where there is insufficient oxygenation in the body, oxygen therapy or supplementation is needed, which can pose a few risks.
Skin Irritation
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, skin irritation is one of the possible risks of oxygen supplementation or therapy. Skin irritation is brought about by the face mask or nasal cannula used in administering oxygen. When using nasal cannulas, a small portion of the tube is inserted to the nostrils; the rubber tubing can easily irritate the skin inside the nose. Oxygen also has a drying effect, making the skin it comes in contact with prone to irritation. Face masks can irritate the skin surrounding the mouth or nose if worn too tightly or too loosely. Using water-based lubricants on the lips and nostrils as well as placing a gauze pad under the tubing can minimize skin irritation.
Nose Bleeds
Nose bleeds are among the potential risks of oxygen supplementation, as mentioned by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. The use of oxygen therapy for certain durations can dry out the airways and nasal passages. When the skin or surface inside the nose dries up, small blood vessels can break, making the nose bleed. Ways to prevent the drying effects of oxygen therapy include the use of nasal sprays and oxygen humidifier.
Breathlessness
According to the American Thoracic Society, breathlessness is a possible risk for oxygen supplementation. Oxygen therapy is administered to patients who are unable to gather enough oxygen through normal breathing. Depending on the disease and medical condition, the rate, flow, saturation and amount of oxygen is decided by the physician. Under normal circumstances, when oxygen levels are low, the body is stimulated to breathe in order to compensate. When too much oxygen is given, the body looses that stimulation, leaving the patient unable to breathe on his own. Maintaining the prescribed oxygen flow rate and continuous monitoring can minimize this risk.
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