Home Oxygen Therapy

Home oxygen therapy is usually recommended when the lungs are unable to supply enough oxygen to the blood. This condition is known as hypoxemia. This therapy increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, protects the heart, reduces shortness of breath and other cardiovascular problems. The air we breathe in, contains 21% oxygen whereas, the oxygen received at home with the help of the therapy, is close to 100% pure oxygen.

There are mainly three types of systems available to provide home oxygen: liquid oxygen, compressed oxygen (tanks) and oxygen concentrators. Usually an oxygen mask or a nasal cannula (a two-pronged lightweight tube) is used to inhale oxygen.

• Liquid oxygen is stored in thermally insulated tanks. These tanks are refilled by liquid oxygen suppliers. At low temperatures, oxygen changes from a gas to a liquid and hence, before delivering, it is warmed to convert its state from liquid to gas. A liquid oxygen system comprises of a large stationary unit and a small, portable canister (weighing from 5 to 13 pounds) which is filled from the stationary unit. Depending upon the size of the tank and the flow rate, we can judge how long it may last. Even if it is not in use, evaporation may empty the canister, so always check the portable canister before use.
• Compressed oxygen cylinders include compressed gaseous oxygen. It is used for first aid and home oxygen patients, when mobility is needed. Oxygen is stored as a gas in the cylinder which can be refilled by a gas supplier. A regulator and a flow meter are connected to the cylinder to adjust the oxygen flow. This system is usually prescribed when oxygen is not required all the time, but needed while walking or performing any physical exercise.
• Oxygen concentrators are mainly used in domestic situations and need no refilling. It is an electrically powered device which removes the nitrogen from the air. Many manufacturers have introduced portable oxygen concentrators which have replaced the liquid or gas cylinders, so as to increase the mobility of many patients. Pulse or demand flow in the concentrator, is similar to an oxygen conserving device, but in the concentrator, the oxygen is made in between pulses and is stored for the next pulse. Due to this, the flow is highly effective and helps reduce the power consumption and extends battery life.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Oxygen Therapy
The advantages and disadvantages of the home oxygen therapy are as follows.

• It helps the patient to be mobile and promotes an active lifestyle.
• It delivers oxygen at a high flow rate.
• It requires no electricity and works silently.
• A higher amount of oxygen can be stored in a liquid form than a gaseous form.
• The only disadvantage is that the tank needs to be refilled regularly from once or twice a week to once a month. The user needs to be at home for scheduled tank fill-ups. Since the contents of the tank evaporate with time, tank refilling becomes necessary.

Precautions
Some of the precautions to be followed while using the home oxygen therapy are as follows.

• While using the oxygen system, stay away from any open flame or heat sources like candles, gas stove, etc.
• Don't change the oxygen flow rate on your own as it can lead to severe side-effects. If you feel the oxygen supply is insufficient, contact your physician and inform your home care supplier.
• Exposure of the oxygen equipment to electrical appliances like electric razors, hair dryers, electric blankets, etc should be avoided.
• Keep the system away from aerosol cans or sprays like air fresheners or hair spray, as they are highly flammable.
• Never use an extension cord with the oxygen system. Keep loose cords and extra tubing separate, so that you don't trip on them while using the system.
• Always store the oxygen equipment in a well-ventilated area and never carry liquid oxygen in a backpack or place it in an enclosed space.

Oxygen is non-addictive and has no side effects when used as prescribed. Home oxygen therapy not only helps the patient live an independent life, but also makes it easier and safer to complete daily activities.