Your Oxygen Is A Medicine, Too!

The old adage "If a little is good, more is better" does not apply to any medication—especially oxygen. Unlike the air around you which is made up of 21 percent oxygen as well as some other gases, the supplemental oxygen your doctor prescribes is almost 100 percent medically pure. Because of this, it's considered a drug and may only be prescribed by a physician. Not all patients with COPD require supplemental oxygen. Only your doctor can determine if oxygen will help you. He can prescribe the amount of supplemental oxygen you need after studying the results of a blood test called an arterial blood gas and evaluating your overall pulmonary condition. He'll order a specific flow (liters per minute) of pure oxygen in the air you're breathing. This increase may be as little as one percent, but the effects on your body and your breathing may be dramatic. That's why it's important to follow your doctor's directions concerning the amount of oxygen you receive (liters per minute) and the length of time you should be using it. If not taken exactly as prescribed, it could cause problems. OXYGEN IS SAFE IF USED SAFELY! Contrary to what you may have heard, oxygen is not explosive but does support combustion. This means that anything in the presence of an oxygen enriched atmosphere will burn faster. That's why most precautions for oxygen mention flames, sparks, and a strict "NO SMOKING" policy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oxygen Systems For Home Use (1) Oxygen Cylinders or Tanks Large tanks which contain oxygen gas under high pressure are traditionally used when home oxygen is required. The tanks, sometimes referred to as "G" and "H" cylinders, are usually stationary because they stand about five feet high and weigh over 150 pounds when full. "D" and "E" cylinders are also available and are smaller and more portable, weighing approximately 15-17 pounds when full. Some newer types are constructed of a lightweight aluminum reducing their full weight to 10-12 pounds. How Long Will A Full Tank Of Oxygen Last? Circle your prescribed liter flow of oxygen (prescribed liter flow per minute). The chart will show you about how many hours of oxygen are available in a full "H" cylinder or a full "E:" cylinder. Be sure to order replacement tanks when pressure gauge reads 500 psi or 1/4 full. (2) Oxygen Concentrators These systems separate oxygen from room air and concentrate it to be medically effective. They range in size from table top to floor models and some are equipped with casters for mobility. They can save you money if you use more than 8-10 oxygen tanks per month but you may expect an increase in your monthly electric bill. A flat fee is charged for monthly rental and you should have a back-up tank in case of power failure or for your individual traveling needs. (3) Liquid Oxygen Systems Liquid oxygen is simply oxygen gas subjected to extremely low temperatures (-295¡ F) until it becomes a liquid. In this state, it can be stored in thermos-like containers under little pressure. As the liquid warms. the oxygen returns to its gaseous form. For this reason, it needs to be kept in a well-ventilated area. Home units are stationary, weighing about 70 pounds when full. There are also portable canisters available that are lightweight and enable you to leave your home for longer periods of time. Now there are different devices available to assist you in carrying your portable unit— carts, backpacks, and tote bags. These portable systems can be refilled from your own home unit. An indicator or scale lets you know how much liquid oxygen remains in the system and when to call for a refill. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Administering Your Oxygen Oxygen from each of the three systems for home use can be administered through a number of devices (1) Nasal Cannulas are nasal prongs which fit comfortably into your nose. They offer the convenience of eating, drinking, and talking without restraint. There is a variety of different styles available. Ask your home care supplier. (2) Venturi-Masks are masks which fit over your nose and mouth and, because of design, deliver the exact concentration of oxygen that your doctor prescribes. They must be removed when eating or drinking, and replaced with a nasal cannula. (3) New Alternative Delivery Methods have been developed over the last few years. One method is TransTracheal Oxygen (TTO) which provides oxygen via a small catheter through a surgical opening into the trachea. This procedure necessitates daily maintenance to the equipment and the incision, and requires special instruction and adjustment. This procedure is more common in some parts of the country than others. If you feel you may be a candidate for this method of oxygen delivery consult your physician. Another new item is the OxyFrames¨ which basically hides a small nasal-type cannula in a pair of spectacles. If this interests you, once again contact your physician. Remember: A humidifier may be used with either the nasal cannula or mask to add moisture to the dry oxygen before it reaches your lungs. Adjust the flow rate before putting on the cannula or mask. This eliminates receiving a blast of oxygen and provides a quick check to see if everything is working properly. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do You Use Your Oxygen Safely? Check and see by answering yes (Y) or no (N) to the following safety precautions to learn your Oxygen Safety Quotient (O.S.Q.). DO YOU: 1. Enforce a strict no smoking policy within 10 feet of oxygen equipment and post "N0 SMOKING" signs? Y N 2. Store oxygen cylinders away from heat and direct sunlight? Y N 3. Keep oil, grease, and flammable material away from your oxygen system and avoid using aerosols (such as room deodorizers) near it? Y N 4. Dust the cylinder with a cotton cloth and avoid draping or covering the system with any material? Y N 5. Secure the oxygen cylinder with an oxygen carrier, cart, or cylinder stand? Y N 6. Keep open flames (such as gas stoves and lighted candles) at least 10 feet away from the oxygen source? Y N 7. Have electrical equipment properly grounded and avoid operating electrical appliances, such as razors and hairdryers, while using your oxygen? Y N 8. Keep any electrical equipment that may spark at least 10 feet from the oxygen system? Y N 9. Avoid using nylon clothing (such as night gowns) andwoolen blankets to prevent sparks and static electricity? Y N 10. Always change cylinders when the pressure gauge reads 500 pounds per square inch (psi) or 1/4 full to avoid inhaling irritating debris? Y N 11. Avoid skin, eye, and clothing contact with the liquid from a leaking liquid oxygen system? Y N 12. Keep liquid oxygen in a well-ventilated area, as some oxygen will escape due to evaporation when the unit is not in use? Y N 13. Have a back-up portable oxygen cylinder in case of a power or oxygen concentrator failure? Y N 14. Use oxygen only as directed? Y N WHAT'S YOUR O.S.Q.? Each yes answer counts as one point.  Good: 11-14 points   Fair:  8-10 points  Need More Caution:  7 or fewer points