Description

Oxygen therapy allows oxygen to be administered at a higher percentage than is found in our room air. It is a treatment, prescribed by your physician or medical care provider, and will include the rate (liters/minute flow) and indicate whether the oxygen will be delivered by a mask (which fits over your mouth and nose, or by a nasal cannula (soft plastic prongs that fit into you nostrils).

Oxygen can be supplied in a variety of ways.

1. Tanks — Preferred for portability, tanks come in various sizes and will need to be refilled/replaced. Because tanks do not require a grounded electrical outlet, they can be used during a power outage.
2. Concentrator — Preferred for “in home use” it pulls oxygen from the air and does not require filling or refilling. It does require a grounded electrical outlet, and therefore will not function during a power outage.
3. Liquid oxygen — Least prescribed due to cylinder size, and must be refilled or replaced. Usually ordered for people needing high liter flow.

Oxygen may be ordered for continual use (all of the time) or intermittently (guided by a feeling of shortness of breath). Often times, people will not feel short of breath, but will exhibit signs or symptoms of a lack of oxygen, which can be remedied by using oxygen.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lack of Oxygen

• Restlessness (agitation or impatience)
• Anxiety (nervousness or apprehension)
• Change in mental status (example confusion or sleepiness when the person is normally alert and oriented)

Safety Tips for Oxygen

Because oxygen supports combustion

• No smoking or candle burning.
• Keep oxygen away from heat source such as radiators or stoves. 
• Do not use aerosol spray cans
• Do not apply any petroleum based products about the face, nose or mouth.
• Make sure that all electrical equipment and wires are in good working condition and do not overload electrical outlets as this could possibly spark and cause a fire. 
• Do not use Woolen blankets as they create static electricity and could cause a fire. 
• Because a tank of oxygen is “compressed,” storage and movement of oxygen tanks is vitally important. Tanks should not be exposed to excessive heat nor allowed to drop/fall. Request
  oxygen supply companies to provide a rack for storage or ambulation oxygen
  tanks upright (tall sturdy plastic crates may also be used for storage).
• Oxygen tubing can easily become entangled, so caregivers as
  well as people using oxygen will need to be vigilant regarding working around
  or moving with oxygen tubing.

Preventable Side effects of Oxygen Therapy

Dryness or skin irritation associated with oxygen use is common. Use the following to prevent or treat dryness or skin irritation.

1. Simple add on equipment (referred to as a humidifier bottle) allows oxygen to be made moist. Fill the “bottle” with distilled water only up to the line marked fill, and refill as needed.
2. Dry Nostrils: Apply K-Y Jelly* with cotton tipped applicator* to inside of nostrils
3. Dry Mouth: Suck on hard candy or ice chips if possible. Use oral swabs* to moisten mouth 
4. Dry Throat: Gargle with salt water if possible
5. Pad tubing with gauze or over the ear cushions*

* Available at Medical Supply Stores and most Pharmacies

Important Points to Consider

Oxygen tubing can become “kinked.” Make sure that oxygen is flowing freely by quickly kinking and releasing the tubing and listening for the rush of oxygen through the mask or the nasal cannula. Use mild soap and water to wipe the inside of the mask and the tips of the nasal cannula at least daily. Change the tubing, and mask/cannula as directed. If using a concentrator, check and change or clean the filter as directed.

Related topics

Managing your Shortness of Breath

Mouth Care

Bathing and Skin Care

Discussing Shortness of Breath with your physician or medical provider