Supplemental oxygen can be used to help manage an illness or medical condition.Oxygen therapy can be used in a doctor's office to deal with short-term problems like asthma attacks.It can be prescribed at home to help with chronic conditions that impact blood oxygen levels.Oxygen therapy can be useful for people whose doctor prescribes supplemental oxygen.
Step 1: Set up your equipment.
Since few oxygen systems work the same way, your doctor or medical supplies provider will show you how to work your system.You may be able to have your medical supplier help you set up your system in- home so that you don't have to do it on your own.
Step 2: Open flames should not be avoided.
It is important to avoid open flames and easily flammable materials while using supplemental oxygen.You should not use matches, lighters, candles, cigarettes, and other products in your home.If you want to remind both you and your guests that you should not use an open flame in a house with supplemental oxygen, you can place signs around your house.In the presence of pure oxygen, petroleum-based products are more likely to ignite.Water-based products help keep you safe.
Step 3: Caution should be used around other heat and electrical sources.
In an environment with supplemental oxygen, heat sources that do not use an open flame should be used with care.It is recommended that there be at least five feet of distance between the oxygen source and heat sources.
Step 4: You should store your cylinder or concentrator in a secure place.
In areas where people walk through a room, you should store your tank upright in an area where it won't be an obstruction.Store your tank upright with a secure cart or stand.The tank will be easier to knock over if you allow it to stand or lean in an upright position.Oxygen should not be stored in a closet or near heat sources.If you have a spare bedroom or garage, place extra tanks on the floor in an area where others are not likely to run into them.It is likely that your tank is still usable if it falls.If you hear a hissing noise, it's possible that the tank has been damaged.Return the tank to its upright position if no one is found.
Step 5: You should take precautions in your car.
You can bring portable tanks and concentrators with you when you travel.They should be secured in the vehicle.The seat belt can be used to help hold it in place.Don't leave your oxygen in a hot car if you're going for an errand or for a trip, just make sure that enough oxygen is available.Do not smoke in your car.
Step 6: Your doctor can give you a prescription.
A medical professional can give you a prescription for supplemental oxygen.Talk to your doctor if you have recently experienced any symptoms or illnesses, and they will test your blood oxygen levels to see if oxygen therapy is necessary.Blood oxygen levels can be measured using a finger probe.The tests are quick and painless.
Step 7: A supplemental oxygen system is what you should choose.
The number of hours of oxygen therapy you need will be indicated by your prescription.To find the right oxygen system for you, talk to your doctor about your lifestyle, work obligations, and activity level.Oxygen concentrators are used in the home.These devices take the oxygen in the air and remove other gasses to make air that is between 85% and 95% oxygen.The metal cylinder is filled with 100% oxygen that has been compressed under high pressure.Smaller portable cylinders are also available.Liquid oxygen can be stored in a canister.These systems are portable and can be carried or placed in a cart.
Step 8: Oxygen should be used as directed.
Depending on your lifestyle, blood oxygen levels, and other medical conditions, your specific oxygen needs will vary.Too much or too little oxygen can be bad.Your doctor will tell you on your prescription how long you need to use supplemental oxygen.Follow the instructions carefully.Hypoxemia can be caused by too much oxygen and too little.Both could cause permanent damage to the brain.It's important to use your oxygen as directed.If you know the signs and symptoms that indicate the need for emergency medical aid, you should always have a physician and nurse's phone numbers on hand.It is a good idea to know how to get in touch with the vendor.
Step 9: Your blood oxygen levels should be monitored.
You can purchase your own finger oximeter from the same medical supplies company as your supplemental oxygen.Make sure your saturation level is in the 90s by checking your blood oxygen levels.Contact your doctor if it drops below that.
Step 10: You should get treatment from your doctor.
Oxygen therapy can be done at hospitals, in a doctor's office, or in other medical settings to raise blood oxygen levels.Oxygen treatment can be prescribed by a doctor after checking blood oxygen levels.A diagnosis from a medical professional is needed for patients who don't know they need oxygen.Other conditions such as COPD or asthma can cause short-term low oxygen levels.If you have had any other symptoms recently, let your doctor know so they can develop a proper treatment plan.
Step 11: Your blood oxygen levels should be checked.
If a patient needs oxygen therapy, they need to check their blood oxygen levels.pulse oximetry is an indirect test used by a medical professional.Such testing is usually fast and painless.
Step 12: Receive treatment
Once your doctor prescribes short-term oxygen therapy, they will administer it.Oxygen can be provided in a number of ways, but is typically administered through a breathing tube.Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be needed for some conditions.This is different from short-term oxygen therapy in that the patient is placed in a pressurized room or tube of pure oxygen.