All you need to know
There is 21% percentage of oxygen in the air we breathe. There are certain lung diseases in which the lungs fail to deliver oxygen into the blood. This leads to low oxygen supply to the tissues of the body and causes complications.
Depending on the condition and Pulmonologist advice, the duration of the oxygen ranges from 12-18 hours and sometimes can be for 24 hours a day.
Devices for oxygen delivery
There are different types of home oxygen delivery systems. There are compressed oxygen metallic tanks, home oxygen concentrator and portable oxygen concentrator. Each device has its own way of supplying oxygen, and no device is superior over the other in terms of oxygen delivery and concentration.
Home oxygen concentrator
It requires electricity to be operated. It uses the surrounding air, removes other gasses and delivers purified oxygen to the user. It delivers continuous oxygen continuously at a steady rate.
Portable oxygen concentrator
It works on a similar mechanism as the home oxygen concentrator. It’s a small device which can be easily carried like a bag. It is battery operated and requires to be charged with electricity. It delivers oxygen in pulse doses whenever a person inhales.
Compressed oxygen metallic tanks
These come in different sizes, that can be refilled. The oxygen flow rate can be adjusted according to the patient’s requirement.
Oxygen delivering accessories
There are tubing system one can use for the oxygen delivery. These tubes use nasal prong and facemask depends on the requirement of an individual.
Nasal cannula is a a tube which has two hollow prongs, which goes into your nose and the other end is attached to the oxygen delivering device or humidifier.
Face mask covers the nose and the mouth. It’s helpful for those who require high oxygen flow or cannot tolerate nasal prong.
Humidifier is a device that aids in reducing irritation and dryness caused by the oxygen therapy.
Mobility and oxygen therapy
Using a portable oxygen concentrator one can easily walk, exercise and carry routine activity as much as one can tolerate. Even small compressed oxygen tanks can be used.
Travelling and oxygen therapy
One can travel with portable oxygen cylinder or concentrator, depending on the mode of transport and oxygen requirements. Airlines have guidelines to cater to people who are oxygen dependant. Patients who have lung conditions that limit physical exercise should consult with there Pulmonologist before air travel. They may require supplemental oxygen