What is oxygen therapy?
Oxygenic therapy is the use of additional oxygen usually supplied directly to the lungs. The air we breathe in the atmosphere contains 21 percent oxygen. People with different health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often need supplementary or extra oxygen.
When breathing problems occur, oxygen levels in the lungs may be reduced. This reduces the amount of oxygen, which is supplied through blood circulation to the vital organs in the body, such as the brain. Oxygen therapy may be administered to prevent complications associated with low blood oxygen levels.
Because medical oxygen is considered a medicine, a prescription from a doctor is required. Oxygen is supplied in liters per minute and the regulation specifies the amount of oxygen to be administered. The regulations also indicate whether oxygen is needed or only when sleeping when oxygen levels can be reduced.
There are several oxygen administration devices. The most commonly used devices include naxial cannula or oxygen mask. A nasal cannula is placed in the nasal fabrics and can be used with a lot of oxygen up to six liters per minute. People who have higher oxygen requirements will have to use an oxygen mask.
Although oxygen is often used in the hospital, domestic oxygen therapy can also be administered in several different ways. Liquid oxygen, oxygen rollers and compressed oxygen are all devices that can be used at home. When using oxygen, safety conditions should be in mind. Oxygen should not be used around the fireplace or gas stove, as it can increase the intensity and do something faster if it is ignited. The amount of oxygen delivered should not be increased without first talking to the doctor. Too much oxygen can cause problems in patients with certain respiratory conditions.
In addition to supplying oxygen to the lungs is the also oxygen is sometimes supplied to the whole body in hyperbRic oxygen chamber. The chamber is pressurized and allows to supply higher oxygen levels to the body. This type of oxygen therapy can be used to treat various conditions, including heavy wounds, burns and bone injuries.
Usually several sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are required depending on the treated condition. It is usually given within a few days or weeks. Although the use of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber is considered safe, side effects may occur. Most often, the pain in the ears is due to the pressure chamber.