Chris Vasta is the president of The CPAP Shop and an expert in sleep and respiratory therapy. He often provides insights on product design and functionality on various manufacturers’ prototypes and is frequently tapped to provide reviews on new releases.
If you are managing a respiratory illness at home, a home oxygen concentrator is essential for treatment. When oxygen therapy is required on a regular and continuous basis, changing conditions cannot get in the way. Severe weather can cause power outages which can compromise your home oxygen concentrator use. If you live in an area where severe weather is common, then you need to be prepared f...
While oxygen therapy can be essential for personal health for many patients with respiratory illness, it can also be dangerous. Oxygen tanks are combustible making them potentially unsafe if not used properly. Also, daily oxygen use has to be followed carefully by the recommendation of your doctor to prevent oxygen toxicity. Overuse or misuse can lead to unhealthy results. Understanding and respecting the power of oxygen can help make oxygen therapy perfectly safe and beneficial to patients.
When most people think of a serious respiratory illness, they think of emphysema. Yet emphysema is only one of the diseases that comprise COPD. COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects more than 15 million Americans compared to the 3 million Americans impacted by emphysema.1 Let's dive into both COPD and emphysema and the main differences between the two.
Reliable portable oxygen therapy is an important factor in the treatment of respiratory disease. Patients who enjoy active lifestyles - such as hiking, traveling, or just running a lot of errands – need an oxygen concentrator that is rugged, reliable and compact. The Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator is the perfect choice. The sleek design combined with the simple-to-use interface...
When COPD patients go for long periods with low blood oxygen levels, a doctor will prescribe supplemental oxygen. Oxygen therapy helps prevent heart failure and improves longevity with COPD.
Supplemental oxygen may also be required for COPD patients during certain activities. Exercise can cause shortness of breath that supplemental oxygen can help. Sleeping with oxygen may be necessary ...
Most of us take natural breathing for granted. Yet more than 25 million people in the United States have asthma and 14.8 million adults have been diagnosed with COPD.1 These serious respiratory illnesses hinder the ability of individuals to breathe normally. Many require the aid of oxygen therapy. So, what are the signs that a person needs oxygen?
Myth #1: Oxygen therapy
will accelerate death from COPD.
Truth: Oxygen therapy prolong survival only in patients with
chronic hypoxemia.
Myth #2: Oxygen therapy is
addictive.
Truth: Oxygen is a drug but it is not addictive! Everybody needs oxygen but just the right amount. Too much of anything can be harmful. Therefore, I recommend that my patients purchase pulse oximetry and to k...
Roughly 25 million Americans have asthma. It is also the leading chronic disease in children. Currently, there are about 5.1 million children under the age of 18 with asthma.1 Better understanding this condition allows for more effective management and treatment of the condition.
What is Asthma? - A Chronic Respiratory Disorder
Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the airway be...
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a respiratory illness that causes inflammation of the lungs which can obstruct airflow. It is a progressive, long-term disease, and according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, it affects 16 million Americans.1 Oxygen therapy is a common treatment for respiratory illness as it increases the amount of oxygen in the lungs...
If you use a portable oxygen concentrator, then finding easier ways to transport your equipment is always helpful. Many portable oxygen concentrators have available accessories to make toting your oxygen therapy hassle-free while on the go.
COPD and lung cancer are both severe conditions that affect the respiratory system. Though they are separate diseases there are similarities in how COPD and lung cancer progressively damage the lungs. Similarities also exist including risk factors for both diseases and symptoms patients experience.There is some evidence also that the two diseases are linked.
Oxygen concentrators play an important role in maintaining the health of patients with respiratory illnesses. But their proper use is important to have both a healthy and safe experience with oxygen therapy. Follow these do’s and don’ts to get the most from your oxygen therapy, whether on the go or at home.
