Your doctor will prescribe oxygen to you if you have a chronic lung condition that is limiting the amount of air reaching your lungs, and your bloodstream. Chances are you are having trouble breathing, sleeping, and getting around. Oxygen can help you with all of this.
What happens if I don't wear my oxygen?
If your doctor has prescribed you oxygen, you should wear it as directed. If you don't, your symptoms will get worse and you will again have trouble doing the little things that oxygen helped you with in the first place. For some people, discontinuing oxygen use very suddenly can cause complications to your condition. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your oxygen therapy regimen.
How can I make sure I'm getting the amount of oxygen I need?
Your doctor will prescribe how much you should be using, usually measured in liters per minute (LPM). Most home oxygen systems have regulators that you can adjust to match this prescribed amount. Your oxygen provider will teach you how to use your equipment properly. If you are concerned that you are not getting enough oxygen, speak with your doctor. If you are concerned that your equipment is not working, call your provider immediately.
Will I become addicted?
Everyone needs oxygen because it is necessary to sustain life, but you can't become addicted to it the way some drugs are addictive. Many COPD patients do depend on oxygen to maintain a certain quality of life. Since the disease is progressive, it is possible that your oxygen needs may change over time and that you will need to continue to use more and more oxygen in the future.
How long will I have to use oxygen? Will I ever not need it?
Once your disease has progressed to the point of needing oxygen, most patients with chronic diseases like COPD will continue to need it to some degree for the rest of their lives. However, there are some patients who can overcome the need to use oxygen through medication, or by overcoming an infection, depending on what you are being treated for. In all, around 20% of people who are started on home oxygen therapy will not need it anymore after a few months.
Will my oxygen intake level increase?
Chronic diseases like COPD are progressive. This means that they will continue to get worse over time, which also means that you may need to increase the amount of oxygen you use in the future.
Do I have to wear my oxygen all the time?
Your doctor will tell you how often you need to use oxygen. For some people, it's only sometimes, while for others, it is all the time.
How will I get oxygen at home?
Once your doctor prescribes it, you will receive oxygen at home from a home oxygen provider. These companies deliver your oxygen, help you set it up, and take care of the maintenance of your oxygen equipment. There are three kinds of oxygen delivery systems currently available: compressed gas, liquid oxygen, and concentrators. Refer to this section to learn about the differences between them.
What happens if I smoke?
Oxygen is extremely flammable, and smoking while using oxygen, or even near the equipment, should never happen. You run the risk of catastrophic personal injury by smoking around oxygen therapy systems. Don't smoke, and don't let others smoke in your home or near your oxygen equipment.
How will I afford oxygen?
Oxygen therapy should be covered by your health insurance. Refer to this section to learn more about insurance companies and oxygen therapy.
Will I be able to travel?
If you are in good enough shape to travel, you can find a way to make it happen. There are new technologies available that allow for much greater freedom and independence for oxygen patients. Portable oxygen concentrators are small enough to take with you anywhere. The Inogen One™ and the Airsep Lifestyle™ are approved for use on board many commercial aircraft, but you must arrange for it in advance. Talk with your doctor before planning any travel.
How do I wear a cannula?
It depends on what sort of cannula you have. The most common kind wrap up over your ears like eyeglasses do, and pump oxygen through tubes that extend into your nose. There are many kinds of cannulas, and your doctor or home respiratory therapist will show you how to wear yours properly.
How often should I change my cannula?
You should wash your cannula with soap and water at least twice a week, and replace it at least once a month. If you are sick with a cold or similar infection, you should replace your cannula immediately after feeling better.
Are there different kinds of cannulas?
Yes. There are many different styles of cannula available. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider which kind would be right for you. If the one you're using is bothering you, there is most likely a different style available that will solve your problem.
