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?
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.
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.
When an individual experiences erratic blood oxygen levels, it becomes important to conduct long-term oxygen level tests. A single blood oxygen test at the doctor’s office may not be enough. An overnight pulse oximetry test examines blood oxygen levels while the individual sleeps to determine if blood oxygen saturation remains healthy over an extended period of time.
Many people who use oxygen concentrators on a regular basis for oxygen therapy may experience the side effect of nasal dryness or sore throat from the dry oxygen delivered. Moisture can be infused into the oxygen flow with the addition of a humidifier to help reduce this common side effect.
While oxygen concentrators and oxygen generators use a similar technology, their difference is about scale. Oxygen concentrators are designed more for home, personal use managing a respiratory illness. Oxygen generators are larger and are used for industrial applications where pure oxygen is needed in a manufacturing process. Oxygen concentrators are considered durable medical equipment and are purchased by individuals while oxygen generators are purchased by manufacturers, mining companies and other large scale businesses that require pure oxygen for industrial applications.
When oxygen therapy is essential for your everyday health, then it is important to prepare when emergencies arise. Know what to do and how to maintain your oxygen concentrator best under difficult circumstances so you never have to go without oxygen therapy when you may need it most. Follow these important tips for maintaining your oxygen concentrator under emergency conditions. Use a checklist and keep support accessories available so you are never caught by surprise.
The clinical definition of shortness of breath is dyspnea. The average adult can take up to 30,000 breaths a day, so compromised breathing is acutely felt, even over a short period of time. While physical exertion or a cold may make breathing difficult temporarily, long-term dyspnea is often a sign of a more serious illness.
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