Home Oxygen Therapy for Beginners
Home oxygen therapy is a way for respiratory patients to maintain oxygen levels from their homes, and today, it’s more accessible than ever.
For many people, achieving breathing is only possible through respiratory treatment. Oxygen therapy is administered in several ways and for a variety of reasons. Read on to learn more about respiratory care and whether you could benefit from treatment.
What Is It?
Home oxygen therapy is prescribed for patients who need more oxygen than is available from room air alone. Supplemental oxygen can bridge the gap and give respiratory patients the air they need. Some people need oxygen therapy all day while others only need it during certain activities like exercising or sleeping.
When Should I Talk to My Doctor About Home Oxygen?
When a person isn’t getting enough oxygen, their brain, heart, kidneys, and other essential organs can be affected. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor to see if you’re a candidate for home oxygen therapy:
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic fatigue
- Frequent dizziness
- Depression
- Waking up suddenly with shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
- Persistent cough
How Much Will I Need?
Your doctor will determine the amount of oxygen you need and give you a prescription detailing these needs. Your prescription will outline how much oxygen you need per minute and how often you need to get it. Your doctor will likely perform a blood test to determine how much extra oxygen you need.
Equipment for Home Oxygen Therapy
You can receive oxygen in several ways. Here are two of the most popular options for at-home use:
- Home oxygen concentrator - According to the Federal Food and Drug Association, oxygen concentrators take in air from the room and filter out nitrogen. The concentrator will then push the oxygen through a tube into the mask or nasal cannula for the individual to consume while they breathe as usual.
- Portable oxygen concentrator - Portable concentrators do similar things as home concentrators, but are much smaller are more mobile. These are excellent for travel or for people who are frequently on the go.
Oxygen Safety
If you’re a beginner when it comes to oxygen therapy, be sure to follow these safety tips:
- Never smoke around oxygen concentrators
- Stay at least five feet away from heat sources
- Don’t use flammable products near your concentrator
- Keep oxygen containers upright
- Have a fire extinguisher close by
Check out O2 Assist for the Best Oxygen Concentrators
If you and your healthcare provider have decided you're ready for home oxygen therapy, then look no further than O2 Assist for the best oxygen concentrator options. We believe that no matter where you are, you should be able to experience the benefits of clean and pure oxygen; that's why we ship all of our products throughout the United States.
You can quickly get in touch with us using our 24-hour online chat or contact us over the phone or via email with any questions you might have. Shop our extensive collection of portable and home oxygen concentrators today!