Why is this procedure done?
Your body needs oxygen to work the right way. There is some oxygen in the air around us. Some people need extra oxygen to get normal levels of oxygen into the blood. You may need extra oxygen for a:
- Short-term problem. This might be an infection, asthma flare up, or lung trauma.
- Long-term problem. These are illnesses like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cystic fibrosis, or emphysema.
- Heart problem. You may have had a heart attack or have heart failure. You may also have a problem with your heart that you were born with.
Oxygen can be: ‚
- Compressed ¢ ˆ ’ Oxygen is stored in metal tanks under high pressure. The tanks come in different sizes. Some are small enough to carry around with you.
- Liquid ¢ ˆ ’ Liquid oxygen is very cold. It turns into a gas when you breathe. It takes up less room than other types of oxygen, but costs more.
- Concentrated ¢ ˆ ’ This uses oxygen already in the air. An electric machine filters out other gases and keeps just the oxygen. If you have this type of oxygen, you need to tell your electric company.
Oxygen therapy is delivered to the lungs by: ‚
- Nasal cannula ¢ ˆ ’ This is a plastic tube with two small prongs, which are placed in your nostrils. The long part of the tubing wraps around your ears, like glasses.
- Face mask ¢ ˆ ’ The mask fits over your nose and mouth. A tube attached to the mask is connected to the oxygen tank. You may need a mask if you get a high rate of oxygen, or if you have a stuffy nose.
- Transtracheal catheter or tube ¢ ˆ ’ This is a small tube that is put into the windpipe through the front of the neck. You may need a humidifier attached to the oxygen system. This will help add moisture to the oxygen.
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What will the results be?
You will be able to breathe easier. You may be less tired and sleep better. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- The doctor may order an arterial blood gas (ABG) test. This is a blood test that shows how much oxygen is in your blood.
- You may also have a pulse oximetry test. This is a tiny probe that is clipped to your finger. It also tells how much oxygen is in your blood.
- The doctor will tell you how much oxygen you need and how often you will have the oxygen therapy.
- If you need home oxygen therapy, an oxygen supplier will set up the equipment in your house.
What happens during the procedure?
You will breathe oxygen through a tube or mask. You will not feel any pain. The length of treatment depends on your sickness. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
If you are in a hospital, the staff will watch you closely and check your oxygen level. You may go home when your condition is stable. The length of treatment depends upon your illness. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Do not smoke.
- Tell your doctor and oxygen supplier if are going to travel.
What problems could happen?
- Dry or stuffy nose
- Nose bleeds
- The tube may come off of the oxygen tank by accident
- Risk of running out of oxygen
- Risk of tripping over the tube
- Risk of fire
Where can I learn more?
American Lung Association ‚
http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/copd/living-with-copd/supplemental-oxygen.html ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/oxt/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚