Why is this procedure done?
Your childs body needs oxygen to work the right way. It can also help treat lung and heart disease. There is some oxygen in the air around us. Some children need extra oxygen to get normal levels of oxygen into the blood. Your child may need extra oxygen for a: ‚
- Short-term problem. This might be an infection or asthma flare up.
- Long-term problem. These are things like heart problems, cystic fibrosis, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
Oxygen can be: ‚
- Compressed ¢ ˆ ’ Oxygen is stored in metal tanks under high pressure. The tanks come in many sizes. Some are small enough to carry with you.
- Liquid ¢ ˆ ’ Liquid oxygen is very cold. It is stored in a large container. It turns into a gas when it leaves the container. It takes up less space than other types of oxygen, but costs more.
- Concentrated ¢ ˆ ’ An electric machine filters out other gases and keeps just the oxygen. If you use this type of oxygen for your child, be sure to let your electric company know.
Oxygen is delivered to the lungs by: ‚
- Nasal cannula ¢ ˆ ’ This is a plastic tube with two small prongs. The prongs are placed in your child's nose. Part of the tubing wraps around the ears, like glasses. The tubing is connected to the oxygen tank.
- Face mask ¢ ˆ ’ The mask fits over your child's nose and mouth. A tube attached to the mask is connected to the oxygen tank. Your child may need a mask to get a high rate of oxygen, or if your child has 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. Your child may need a humidifier attached to the oxygen set-up. This will help add moisture to the oxygen.
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What will the results be?
Your child will be able to breathe easier. Your child may be less tired and able to eat and sleep better. Oxygen can help your child feel stronger and make your child more alert. It is also important for normal body functions. ‚
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 the blood.
- Your child may also have a pulse oximetry test. This is a tiny probe that is put on your childs finger or toe. It also tells how much oxygen is in the blood.
- The doctor will tell you how much oxygen your child needs and how often your child will need extra oxygen.
- If your child needs to use oxygen at home, an oxygen supplier will set up the equipment in your house.
What happens during the procedure?
Your child will breathe oxygen through a tube or mask. Using oxygen does not cause your child any pain. Your child may need oxygen for a little while or for a long time. Some children have trouble keeping the oxygen on their face. To help your child accept it, you may want to let them try it on one of their stuffed animals or dolls. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
If in a hospital, the staff will watch your child closely and check the oxygen level. You may be able to take your child home when their condition is stable. How long your child will need oxygen is based on your childs illness. Make sure to turn off the oxygen when your child is not using it. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for your child.
- Do not smoke around your child.
- Traveling with a child and oxygen needs extra planning. Talk to your childs doctor. Also talk to the company that supplies your child's oxygen. Ask the airline or bus company if there is anything special you need to do.
What problems could happen?
- Dry or stuffy nose ¢ ˆ ’ Using a humidifier will help.
- Nose bleeds
- The tube may come off of the oxygen tank by accident
- Running out of oxygen
- Tripping over the tubing
- Fire ¢ ˆ ’ Oxygen does not cause fire, but can make a fire worse. Keep oxygen away from open flames or heat sources.
Where can I learn more?
American Thoracic Society ‚
http://patients.thoracic.org/information-series/en/resources/oxygen-therapy-for-children.pdf ‚
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. ‚