The Effects of Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy can be preformed in an emergency setting, at a hospital or even at home. Acute therapy refers to emergency use, and chronic therapy is considered long-term use of oxygen. Oxygen is used to decrease hypoxia, a condition when the lungs do not receive enough oxygen. Ordinary air breathed in by the human body contains 21 percent oxygen, according to The Cleveland Clinic. However, when oxygen therapy is used, the amount of oxygen breathed in can be set to reach as high as100 percent. Oxygen flow can be given in a variety of dosages depending on the patient's needs.
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Doses and Administration
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Emergency situations such as cardiac arrest, bodily injury and shock require high doses of oxygen. Treatment is given using a bag valve mask or reservoir mask. Oxygenation of blood is monitored by a pulse oximetry machine, which measures the blood's oxygen levels with a small fingernail monitor. Long-term oxygen treatment only may require oxygen while sleeping or during mild exercise. Others may need a low dose therapy 24 hours a day. A doctor must write a specific prescription indicating the amount of oxygen to use. The percentage of oxygen is then set on the electrical oxygen device or manually on an oxygen cylinder using a flow meter valve. Patients commonly use a nasal cannula, which is long plastic tubing with prongs set into the nostrils to directly deliver oxygen in the nose.
Direct Effects
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Oxygen therapy supplements the body with additional oxygenation of the body's tissues required for normal functioning. The use of oxygen can decrease shortness of breath and difficulty breathing in emergency situations. Stable respirations can increase the chance of survival during a critical medical emergency. Long-term use of oxygen, such as in a home setting, can increase one's independence and activities of daily living.
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Sources
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There are three main sources for the delivery of oxygen. Compressed oxygen comes in a cylinder, which vary in size from large stationary cylinders to small portable ones. A flow meter adjusts the amount of oxygen released to the patient. A liquid oxygen system converts oxygen from gas to a liquid state. When oxygen is warmed, it turns to liquid. When cooled in the oxygen unit, it is converted back to the gas state. A portable unit is available as well as a larger stationary unit. A large oxygen concentrator system captures the existing gases in the air and stores the oxygen. The oxygen is delivered via nasal cannula.
Side Effects
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Despite needing a prescription, oxygen is not addictive. Oxygen therapy may cause increased drying to the respiratory tract including the nasal passageways and throat if not humidified. There is a low risk of side effects. Some people may feel slight naseau or discomfort. The main concern of oxygen therapy is the risk of fire.
Warnings
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Do not use oxygen while smoking or near the scene of a fire. Many patients receiving home oxygen therapy are diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), which is commonly associated with smoking. According to a 2006 study by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in England, between 14 and 51 percent of home oxygen smokers continue to smoke despite receiving counseling and warnings. Though home oxygen use is mainly harmless, using oxygen creates an environment where fire and flames will burn faster. Always post no smoking signs on an oxygen tank and in a room where oxygen is being used.
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