Use of Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy is becoming increasingly common outside of the hospital setting, and it is helping people lead more productive lives. This therapy aids people with asthma, emphysema, lung cancer and even congestive heart failure. Oxygen therapy is even used to help individuals with arthritis, AIDS, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's.
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Common Uses
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Oxygen therapy must be prescribed by a doctor. The prescription states the oxygen flow rate, how much oxygen per minute is needed and when oxygen use is required. Typically, a blood test measuring a person's oxygen level will determine how much should be prescribed. Some people only use oxygen when exercising, while others need it while sleeping. Oxygen therapy can be used at a continuous rate.
Oxygen Delivery
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There are three ways to administer oxygen to the patient. A nasal cannula is a two-pronged device that is placed inside the nose. It is connected to a tube that delivers oxygen. The tube usually is placed on the patient's ears. There is also a mask that can be worn, which is typically used by people who need a higher flow of oxygen. The third delivery method is through a catheter placed in the trachea. This method of oxygen therapy bypasses the mouth, nose and throat.
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Oxygen Therapy Methods
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Oxygen can come in either gas or liquid form. An oxygen concentrator is another method for providing therapy. Oxygen as a gas is stored under pressure in a cylinder. The cylinder has a regulator that controls the rate of oxygen flow. The liquid oxygen method is similar to the gas method, except the liquid is converted to gas when released. This method takes up less space. An oxygen concentrator is an electrical device that separates oxygen from the air. Oxygen is then concentrated and stored. This method requires a backup tank in case of power failure.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is another form of oxygen therapy. It involves breathing oxygen while in a sealed, pressurized chamber. This method of therapy is used to treat decompression sickness, gangrene, brain abscess and certain kinds of wounds and skin infections. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe method in certain treatments. Mild complications include fatigue, claustrophobia and headache.
Ozone and Hydrogen Peroxide
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Another way to administer oxygen therapy is to introduce oxygen-releasing substances into the body. It is believed that the extra oxygen increases the body's ability to fight disease. The most common elements used in this type of oxygen therapy are hydrogen peroxide and ozone. Ozone is a chemically active form of oxygen that is mixed with air or liquids and introduced into the body. The hydrogen peroxide is usually injected or taken orally. There have been reported deaths with this method.
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