<p>Oxygen therapy involves delivering gas through an oxygen source like oxygen concentrator or cylinder. The patient breathes the oxygen through either a nasal cannula or a mask, which covers his nose and mouth. Physicians prescribe oxygen therapy for increasing oxygen level in the blood, based on the needs of body organs and tissues. Lack of oxygen in the body can lead to a number of problems, which is why it is absolutely essential to use supplemental oxygen supply in case body’s natural source is interrupted.
Once the physician has decided that the patient requires oxygen therapy, the patient will be tested for determining the right amount of oxygen to be delivered through an oxygen concentrator. Oxygen therapy is used for general well being as well as fixing many other problems such as:
COPD Treatment
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease includes diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The disease tends to damage airways and scars the proper channel of oxygen/carbon dioxide. Consequently, the heart has to pump much harder for delivering oxygen to all organs of the body. Oxygen therapy is very beneficial for COPD patients since it relaxes the strain on heart and helps patient get the required amount of oxygen. Although COPD is one of the most leading causes of death all over the world, the rates substantially decrease among patients who use oxygen therapy. According to many researches, there has been seen improvement in the function of heart, relief from depression and increased mental clarity among COPD patients.
Interstitial Lung Disease Treatment
Interstitial lung disease includes a number of maladies associated with scarring of the lungs. It usually occurs due to drugs, toxic ingestion or a certain trauma. Keep in mind that oxygen therapy does not in anyway reverse the progression, it does however, help the patient in breathing properly. It reduces blood pressure, particularly on the right side of the heart, which aids in protecting patients from pulmonary hypertension. It also helps patient sleep better.
Pneumonitis Treatment
Pneumonitis involves inflammation of lung tissue. It can be caused by a number of factors including exposure to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, asbestos or exposure to mould. Although corticosteroids and antibiotics are commonly used for treatment, oxygen therapy has also been reported useful for patients. However, the amount is largely dependent on the situation of the patient.
Gangrene Treatment
Gangrene is characterised by interrupted flow of blood into the body organs, which causes the tissues to start dying slowly. In such a situation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is useful and is usually an important part of treatment of the disease. A chamber containing oxygen that is 2.5 times more potent than atmospheric oxygen is used. Due to high pressure in the level of oxygen, the blood is able to carry oxygen to affected tissues much faster, and thus inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Additional Benefits
In addition to treatment of specific diseases, oxygen therapy is beneficial for general health conditions as well:
• Relief from headache
• Improved immune system
• Improved mental clarity
• Relief from nausea
• Lowered risk of heart failure
• Improved ability of body organs to function optimally
Patients who are prescribed long-term oxygen therapy can reap additional benefits like:
• Decreased shortness of breath
• High energy level, particularly in physical activities and exercise
• Prolonged life due to reduction in heart strain
