Oxygen is necessary for the cells in your body to make energy and survive. Since a person cannot live without oxygen it is important to address oxygen deficiency in any illness that can cause such a deficiency. Most commonly these are lung and circulatory problems, although some other problems, such as toxin overload, can also cause low oxygen levels in your tissues. Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart has trouble pumping blood, and as a result fluids build up in the body. Oxygen supplements are recommended for some people with congestive heart failure; a health care professional can provide diagnosis and treatment options for the condition.
Nasal Cannula
A nasal cannula is a small, two-pronged plastic or rubber device that fits into both sides of the nose to deliver higher concentrations of oxygen to the lungs. The earth's atmosphere is 21% oxygen. A nasal cannula can increase the concentration by delivering from 0.5 liters of oxygen per minute to up to 6 liters per minute, according to "Miller's Anesthesia" by Ronald Miller, M.D. However, natural oxygen it is diluted with atmospheric gases, so the maximum a nasal cannula can deliver to the lungs is about 35% oxygen. Typically oxygen supplementation by nasal cannula is initiated when the level of oxygen in the blood drops below about 89% while a person is walking.
Face Masks
A face mask delivers higher concentrations of oxygen than a nasal cannula. There are several different types. A simple face mask fits over the mouth and nose to deliver from about 25 to 50 percent oxygen. A partial rebreathing mask delivers up to from 40 to 70 percent oxygen. A non-rebreather mask has one-way valves that prevent exhaled air from being re-inhaled, and can deliver up to 100 percent oxygen.
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Positive pressure ventilation refers to oxygen and other gases being delivered through a pressurized system. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. As its name describes, the device continuously delivers oxygen under pressure. To work, it must form an air-tight seal over the face.
Regulated breathing on a ventilator in the case of respiratory failure requires intubation with an endotracheal tube. Intubation refers to the insertion of the breathing tube, and endotracheal refers to the fact that it is inserted into the trachea. The tube generally extends from the mouth or nose down into the trachea. A ventilator can assist a person who can breath on his own, who needs to have spontaneous breaths assisted by a ventilator or, if needed the ventilator can take over breathing entirely, and 100 percent oxygen can be delivered.
References
- "Miller's Anesthesia"; Ronald D. Miller et al; 7th Ed; 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony Fauci et al; 17th Ed; 2008
