Authored by BlueAngel on
Sunday, May 16, 2004
The closing of this article succinctly states the reason for the use of Oxygen Therapy for the individual Patient/Client.
STUDIES SHOW THAT USING OXYGEN AS PRESCRIBED WILL RESULT IN LONGER LIFE AND INCREASED QUALITY OF LIFE.
WHY AM I USING OXYGEN?
Why am I using oxygen? This is a question that everyone using oxygen has, but very few probably ever get a satisfactory answer. In order to answer that question let's break it down into simpler terms.
What is oxygen? Oxygen is a part of the air that we breathe into our lungs every time we take a breath. Our body uses the oxygen to create the energy it needs to carry on all of the processes essential to living such as walking, thinking, breathing, and laughing. Without oxygen the body would shut down in less than 10 minutes.
Why do I need extra oxygen? Due to some heart and lung conditions, not enough oxygen is able to get into the blood to supply the body with the oxygen it needs. Once your condition has been stabilized, the only way to correct a low oxygen level is to use supplemental oxygen.
Won’t I become addicted to it? This is a common myth that many people using oxygen have heard, sometimes even from a medical professional. The air we breathe is 21% oxygen. Most people using oxygen are only receiving a little higher percentage (about 28% at 2 l/m), just enough to bring your blood oxygen back to an adequate level. There is no clinical evidence that using oxygen is physically addicting or that using oxygen on a part-time basis will lead to full-time use. If anything, using the oxygen will help to stabilize your condition which may prevent increased use later.
How do you know I need the oxygen? Your blood has been tested and shown to be low on oxygen. This has been done in one of two ways. You may have had a sample of blood taken from your artery known as an arterial blood gas (ABG), or you may have been tested with a small probe on your finger or ear, called oximetry. Your oxygen may be measured at rest, during activity, or during sleep. If your level is low during any of these times, you should be using your oxygen at those times.
Can’t I tell if my oxygen is low? Not necessarily, some of the symptoms of low oxygen can be shortness of breath, fast heart rate, changes in the color of lips and fingernails, but some people will have low oxygen level without experiencing any of these symptoms. Others may experience these symptoms without being low on oxygen. The only way to tell for sure is the testing mentioned above. Medical Corp.
What are the benefits of using the oxygen? Multiple studies have shown that using oxygen as prescribed leads to a longer life and improved quality of life. Some people feel dramatically different after they start using the oxygen. Less shortness of breath, increased stamina, better tolerance of activity, more restful sleep, improved memory, and clearer thinking are some of the immediate improvements experienced. Others may see little or no change in the way they feel. But whether you feel differently or not, using the oxygen is necessary and will result in the long-term benefits.
When should I use it? Oxygen is not stored well by the body. In fact, once you quit using it, your blood levels will return to previous levels within minutes. For this reason, it is essential for you to use the oxygen at the times your oxygen level has been shown to be low. If you are low during activity you should wear it during activity. If you are low during sleep, wear it while you sleep. If you are low at rest, you should wear your oxygen continuously.
What if I don't use it? Not using the oxygen as your doctor has prescribed will result in your blood oxygen level remaining low. This causes your entire body to be stressed, especially your heart. A low oxygen level increases the pressure inside your heart and with time can cause your heart to enlarge and work less efficiently, a condition known as cor pulmonale. As stated above, studies have shown that patients not using their oxygen do not live as long and have a decreased quality of life.
Will I ever be able to quit using it? Some people with a reversible condition such as pneumonia will get better and no longer need to use oxygen. Conditions such as congestive heart failure, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis are primarily irreversible and long-term use is often necessary. Oxygen should never be discontinued without testing showing that your blood oxygen level is adequate at rest, during sleep, and during activity.
A0n important part of adapting to the use of oxygen is keeping a positive attitude. Don't dwell on the negative aspects but look at all the benefits mentioned above. It can help to increase your activity and improve your quality of life. In many ways it’s like getting your first pair of glasses. Sure they feel funny and make you look different, but now you can see to read and drive. If you have any more questions, always feel free to contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
STUDIES SHOW THAT USING OXYGEN AS PRESCRIBED WILL RESULT IN LONGER LIFE AND INCREASED QUALITY OF LIFE.
© 1998, Greg Spratt RRT, Rotech Medical Corp. Revised 10/98
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Authored by BlueAngel on
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Why Do I need Testing? is an article describing why one should have testing to be certain that you are no longer in need of supplemental or continuous Oxygen therapy. This article is very succinct and to the point. We do thank the RT's at Rotech for their educational material that is made available to the general public.
WHY DO I NEED TESTING?
The Importance of Testing Before Discontinuing Oxygen
People often question their need for continuing to use oxygen. When considering discontinuance of your oxygen, it is extremely important to perform appropriate testing to determine the best thing for your condition. Just as a physician would never discontinue a diabetic’s insulin without first checking blood sugar levels or high blood pressure medicine without first checking blood pressure, oxygen should never be discontinued without first checking your blood oxygen levels.
“I don't feel like I need it.”
Just as with high blood pressure, you can’t always go by the way that you feel. Some people may experience few or no symptoms such as shortness of breath and still have a low blood oxygen level. Even though these symptoms are very important to watch and consider, you can’t make the decision to discontinue the oxygen based solely upon symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to have your blood oxygen level checked.
“How do you check my blood oxygen level?”
There are two ways your blood oxygen level can be checked. The first way, known as an arterial blood gas or ABG is by taking a sample of blood from your artery. The downside of this test (besides the pain from the needle) is that it only shows your blood oxygen level at the moment the blood is drawn. Most people with heart and lung disorders have a blood oxygen level that will vary depending upon what they are doing. So an ABG may show an adequate blood oxygen level while you are resting (which is usually when it is measured) but does not reveal what your oxygen level is when you are active or sleeping (which is usually when your level is low).
The second method, called oximetry, is done by placing a small probe on your finger. This probe is attached to a small device that records a continuous measurement of your blood oxygen level. The advantage of this method (besides being painless) is that it allows your physician to see exactly what your blood oxygen level is doing at all times such as when you are active. In fact, to get the full picture, you should be tested at rest, during activity, and during sleep as blood levels may vary significantly at these various times. If this test is normal, then your physician will probably discontinue the oxygen, but it is a good idea to repeat oximetry in one month to make sure it is staying OK (Sometimes your oxygen level drops after being off for a while). It is very important that your oxygen never be discontinued without first performing this test.
If your blood oxygen level is low, failure to use the oxygen as prescribed can result in stress to the heart and has been shown to result in shorter life expectancy.
“What happens if I just quit using the oxygen?”
If your blood oxygen level is still low and you don’t use your oxygen, studies have shown that life expectancy is shortened and quality of life is diminished when compared to those who use the oxygen appropriately. Symptoms such as shortness of breath may increase and your activity tolerance may decrease.
A low oxygen level stresses your entire body but especially the heart. The pressures inside the heart increase, and with time the heart may enlarge causing it to function poorly, a condition known as cor pulmonale. Other organs including the kidneys, brain, and muscles are affected as well. So going without the oxygen means more than just putting up with the shortness of breath, it can affect your entire body.
“If my doctor does not discontinue it, can’t I just have you pick it up?”
Your oxygen was prescribed for you by your physician and thus for us to discontinue its use requires your physician's approval. The only other option is for you to sign a release of liability. This releases us and your physician of responsibility for any consequences of your decision to go against your doctor's wishes by not using the oxygen.
“How can I be tested?”
We will contact the doctor for you. Upon the doctor’s approval, arrangements will be made to perform the test. The transition to using oxygen can sometimes be difficult. If you have encountered problems in using your oxygen, speak with your respiratory therapist and he or she can offer solutions to most of these concerns. We want the best for you and your situation. If we can be of any further assistance in answering your questions, always feel free to call us.
© 1998, Greg Spratt RRT, Rotech Medical Corp. Revised 7/98
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