The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Oxygen Therapy in 2021
With oxygen therapy growing in popularity, it makes sense for people to have an increased curiosity about the treatment.
Especially in light of recent news, people are looking for more and more ways to maintain a healthy body and lifestyle. Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions around this kind of therapy in 2021.
1. Is Oxygen Flammable?
Oxygen itself is not flammable, however, oxygen is required for fire to spread. Because oxygen concentrators have pure oxygen, it’s important to keep these far from any open flame. Be mindful to maintain a distance of at least eight to ten feet from an open fire. One small flame can turn into something pretty dangerous if you aren’t careful!
2. How Long Should I Use My Oxygen Each Day?
When it comes to how long you should be using your oxygen each day, it really depends on your individual needs. What’s needed for one person could be very different for another. If you’re unsure of how often or how long you should use your oxygen each day, reach out to your doctor or health care provider, and they will be able to give you extensive details on the duration of your daily oxygen use.
3. Can Oxygen Therapy Prevent COVID-19?
There is no evidence that shows that oxygen therapy can prevent COVID-19 or that it can alleviate the symptoms brought on by the virus. While there is some information that could suggest that oxygen therapy could lend a hand in helping patients with COVID-19 to wean themselves off of ventilation support, there’s nothing that shows that it can prevent someone from getting the virus.
4. What Side Effects Will I Experience from Oxygen Therapy?
While there are a number of positive side effects that come from using oxygen therapy, there are some other impacts that you may want to keep an eye out for. The most common side effect is a dry nose. This is easily remedied with a humidifier. If you start to experience more severe side effects, such as headaches or fatigue, reach out to your doctor right away, as this could mean that your oxygen dosage is too high and some adjustments need to be made.
5. Can I Use Oxygen Therapy If I Have COVID-19?
It’s not recommended that you use this therapy type if you have COVID-19, as it could cause a delay in receiving treatment. It’s important to remember that this therapy should only be used when you have a prescription from your doctor for it, so if you’re worried about using oxygen therapy in relation to COVID-19, contact your medical provider for more guidance.