Oxygen Therapy
CEAC 0293
March 2015
Oxygen Therapy
My Body Needs Oxygen
Your body is made up of millions of tiny cells. These cells use oxygen to do their work
and cannot live or work without it. That means your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles
burn oxygen all the time and cannot do their work well if they do not get enough oxygen.
Oxygen cannot be stored in your body so you need a constant supply. When you exert
yourself, your body burns more oxygen than it does when you are at rest.
Brain
Heart
Lungs
Kidney
Diagram Courtesy Microsoft Clip Art
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How Your Body Gets Oxygen
You breathe air into your lungs. The oxygen from the air passes from the air sacs in your
lungs into your blood. Your heart pumps blood around your body, delivering oxygen to
all the cells in your body. At the same time, your blood picks up carbon dioxide from the
cells and carries it back to your lungs to be breathed out. Carbon dioxide is a waste
product of working cells that your lungs must remove from your body.
Most of the oxygen in your blood is carried by your red blood cells but some of it
dissolves in your blood stream and is moved that way.
Trachea: The passage way through which air goes into and out of the lungs. Commonly
referred to as the windpipe.
Alveoli: Air sacs in the lungs where air passes through into the blood. Carbon dioxide is
passed from the blood, into the air sacs in the lungs and then breathed out through the
trachea.
Alveoli
Trachea
Diagram Courtesy Microsoft Clip Art
Measuring the Amount of Oxygen in Your Blood
We can measure the amount of oxygen in your blood in 2 different ways. The first way is
a blood test called Arterial Blood Gases. This test measures both the dissolved oxygen
and the oxygen in your red blood cells, as well as carbon dioxide and other levels.
The second way is to use a small machine called an oximeter. A clip is fastened to your
finger. The machine gives a continuous readout of the oxygen levels of your red blood
cells (how much oxygen they are carrying). We use the oximeter to measure blood
oxygen levels while you exercise or, sometimes when you sleep.
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Why I Cannot Get Enough Oxygen
Lung disease blocks some small airways and damages or blocks some air sacs, so the
lungs have fewer working units. As a result, the lungs are less efficient and cannot supply
as much oxygen to your blood as before.
Heart disease can cause decreased blood flow, and therefore, decreased oxygen to the
heart. Since the main job of your heart is to pump blood and oxygen to all parts of your
body, a heart attack, or some other illness, may weaken the heart’s pumping action and
fluid can back up into the lungs.
When You do not get Enough Oxygen
Less oxygen in your blood means less oxygen is supplied to the rest of your body. Your
body may not be able to work as well as before. Your lungs must work harder and faster
to get more air in. Your blood makes more red blood cells to carry more oxygen. Your
heart pumps faster to move more blood around. As well, more red blood cells make blood
thicker and harder to pump and that makes your heart work harder.
What Oxygen Therapy Does
Oxygen therapy is used when your body is not getting enough oxygen from breathing
room air to work properly. It raises the oxygen levels in your blood just like taking
calcium pills raises the levels of calcium in your body.
Raising the level of oxygen in your blood means your heart and lungs do not have to
work so hard. This reduces the problems that can occur from such overwork.
Who Needs Oxygen Therapy
Your doctor decides if you need oxygen by measuring your blood oxygen levels and
assessing the condition of your heart and lungs.
Some people need oxygen only when they are in hospital with a flareup of their disease.
However, if your blood oxygen levels remain too low after you are better again, you may
need home oxygen therapy. Scientific studies have set guidelines that your doctor uses to
order your oxygen dose.
There are 2 common myths about oxygen therapy. One is that oxygen is addicting. The
other is that you only need oxygen when you feel breathless. Both of these myths are
wrong.
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Benefits From Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen may not make you less short of breath, but major scientific studies show that it
can help you live longer with fewer complications, such as heart failure or stroke.
Improvements in your shortness of breath or energy levels may be very subtle and happen
gradually over a period of time.
Dangers of Oxygen
Oxygen does not explode or burn but it does make it easier for fire to burn. Here are
safety measures you should take:
No smoking or open flame within 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 metres) of where you use or
store oxygen. Keep the tubing and oxygen container you are using 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3
metres) away from sources of heat (e.g. furnace, stove, radiator), pilot lights, and
electrical appliances (e.g. TV, radio)
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all electrical appliances should have 3 pronged plugs
store all oxygen containers upright, away from heat sources and direct sunlight, in
a well ventilated, clean, dry area - not in closets or other closed spaces
never use oil or grease on oxygen equipment or handle equipment with oily,
greasy hands
turn off oxygen supply valve when you are not using oxygen
do not carry the portable unit under your clothing
do not use aerosol sprays where oxygen is used or stored
avoid oily or petroleum based lubricants, lotions, and creams, for example, use
water soluble lubricant for cracked or dry nostrils.
How Much Oxygen Should I Take?
Your doctor prescribes a specific dose of oxygen for you. Your doctor prescribes the flow
rate and tells you when to use it.
The flow rate is usually 1 to 2L (litres) per minute, occasionally 3L per minute, and rarely
4L per minute. You are told to use your oxygen either all the time (at least 20 hours per
day), during activity only, or during sleep only. Oxygen used only now and again when
you feel short of breath will not help. Too much oxygen can be bad for you and make the
problem worse.
Never Increase the Oxygen Flow Rate on Your Own!
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How
do I Know if I’m Getting Enough - or too Much?
You may not be getting enough oxygen if you notice any of the following:
x
x
x
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x
more difficult, irregular breathing
restlessness
more rapid heart beat
you feel more tired
blue nail beds or lips
confusion or an inability to concentrate.
You may be getting too much oxygen if you notice any of the following:
x
x
x
x
headaches
slurred speech
sleepiness or difficulty waking up
shallow, slow breathing
Ifyouhaveanyofthesesigns,callyourdoctor.
Oxygen at Home
Using oxygen at home usually results in your spending less time in hospital. It may allow
you to take part in a wider range of activities and you may tire less easily. It may help
you sleep better. You may notice an improved sense of well being and a better mood, as
well. Sometimes, people with low oxygen levels do not think very clearly. You may find
that, with oxygen, your memory and ability to concentrate will improve, and that your
mind seems sharper.
Equipment I Need at Home
Your doctor fills in the order forms and we help you make the necessary arrangements. A
respiratory services company sets up your oxygen at home and teaches you how to use it.
You are told where your nearest oxygen supplier is located. There are several companies
in Saskatchewan and we give you information to help you to make your choice.
Looking After the Equipment
The company that supplies the equipment and sets it up for you teaches you how to use it
and clean it. They teach you about maintenance, replacement, and orderingmethods.
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Notes:
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CEAC 0293
March 2015