Breathing is the basic and superior physiological need of every organism. And while we are able to survive for several days without food or drink, we begin to suffocate after only a few minutes without oxygen. More and more often we are a doctor at home and in the event of illness we control our he alth ourselves. Recently, many people rent oxygen concentrators and use home oxygen therapy. What is the mentioned procedure and most importantly - is it safe?
Oxygen therapyis a treatment procedure used in medical institutions or at home. It is the supply of air with an increased concentration of oxygen to the body. The human body is able to provide itself with a certain amount of oxygen. However, in conditions of respiratory failure or circulatory diseases, it may require additional amounts of it. Medicinal oxygen is a medicinal product that can be administered at home in some diseases.
Types of oxygen therapy
There are two types of oxygen therapy - passive and active.
Passive oxygen therapyis used in people who are able to breathe independently - in the case of acute or chronic respiratory failure.
Oxygen is supplied to the respiratory tract using an oxygen whisk or mask.
This type of oxygen therapy is used when the lung saturation is below 92 percent. Oxygen administration can be performed both in hospital and at home.
In turn,active oxygen therapyis used in people who are unable to breathe on their own.
The key issue during oxygen therapy is the selection of the appropriate oxygen concentration . It should be borne in mind that improperly selected can lead to serious he alth consequences:
- tracheitis,
- bronchitis,
- impaired cilia function in the respiratory tract
- or the formation of vitreous membranes.
Consult a specialist before putting the oxygen concentrator into operation, otherwise you may hurt yourself.
Home oxygen therapy - who is it for?
Home oxygen treatment began in the 1960s. It was then that the method of storing liquid oxygen in specials was developedcontainers that withstand high gas pressure and ensure sufficiently long and safe use.
Home oxygen therapy is intended mainly for people with lung diseases, which include:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
- emphysema
- or interstitial lung diseases.
Therapy should be used in people whosesaturation is below 92 percent . and those who notice features of breathlessness in themselves.
A specialist always decides whether a patient is qualified for this type of treatment. A patient who has been prescribed home oxygen therapy, although he or she uses the device on his own, should be in constant contact with the doctor.
The oxygen concentrator is a device designed not only for sick people, but also for he althy people.
Oxygen therapy accelerates blood circulation and improves metabolism. In addition, the high content of oxygen in the inhaled air removes toxins from the body, and thus helps in the fight against overweight or high cholesterol levels.
Home oxygen therapy - effects
Home oxygen therapy improves the quality of life. Reduces the frequency of recurrence of respiratory infections.
After oxygen administration, the saturation should remain at the level of 94-98%.
If you still feel short of breath, contact your doctor.
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