I remember a patient telling me how just walking to the mailbox felt like climbing a mountain. Every step was a struggle, leaving him breathless and exhausted. That feeling of not being able to catch your breath is frightening. For many people living with lung or heart conditions, this is a daily reality. This is where Oxygen Therapy, sometimes called supplemental oxygen, can be a true game-changer. It’s not a cure, but it’s a powerful tool that helps your body get the fuel it needs to function, allowing you to get back to your life.
What Is Oxygen Therapy, Really?
Think of it as a helping hand for your lungs. When you breathe, your lungs do the incredible job of filtering oxygen out of the air and sending it into your bloodstream. Your organs, tissues, and every cell in your body depend on that steady supply.
But when you have certain medical conditions, your lungs can’t pull in enough oxygen on their own. This leads to low blood oxygen levels, a condition we call hypoxemia. Over time, this can strain your organs, especially your heart and brain. Oxygen therapy provides that extra, concentrated oxygen your body is missing.
Who Might Need a Little Extra Oxygen?
In my practice, I see folks with a range of conditions who find relief with supplemental oxygen. It’s commonly prescribed for people managing:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Severe Asthma
- Pulmonary Fibrosis (scarring of the lungs)
- Pneumonia or after-effects from COVID-19
- Heart failure
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Sleep apnea
- Certain cancers affecting the lungs
Even healthy individuals, like mountain climbers, might need it at high altitudes where the air is “thinner” and contains less oxygen.
The goal is simple: to get your body the oxygen it needs to stay healthy, reduce breathlessness, and improve your quality of life.
How We Check Your Oxygen Levels
We have a few straightforward ways to see if your body is getting enough oxygen. You’ve probably already experienced one of them.
- Pulse Oximeter: This is that little clip we painlessly place on your fingertip. It shines a light through your skin to measure the oxygen saturation in your blood. A healthy level is typically 95% or higher. We generally consider prescribing oxygen when levels consistently drop below 88%.
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test: This is a blood test, usually taken from an artery in your wrist. It’s the most accurate way to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood and gives us a very clear picture of how well your lungs are working.
- Lung Function Tests: These tests, like spirometry, measure how much air you can breathe in and out, and how fast you can do it.
If your levels are low, you might notice symptoms like shortness of breath, a fast pulse, extreme fatigue, or even a bluish tint to your lips or fingernails. But sometimes, you can have low oxygen without any obvious signs, which is why testing is so important.
Types of Oxygen Systems
Getting oxygen isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. The system we choose will depend on your lifestyle, your needs, and how much oxygen you require. It can be delivered through a small tube in your nostrils (nasal cannula), a face mask, or a tube placed directly in your windpipe (tracheotomy tube).
Here’s a quick look at the most common types of systems you might use at home or on the go.
| System Type | How It Works | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Compressed Gas | A metal tank stores pure oxygen gas under pressure. You control the flow with a regulator. | These are reliable but can be heavy. You’ll need replacements delivered and should always have a backup. |
| Liquid Oxygen | Pure oxygen is stored as a very cold liquid. It turns into a breathable gas as it’s released. | These systems are often more portable than compressed gas tanks, making them great for getting out of the house. |
| Oxygen Concentrators | This machine pulls air from the room, separates the oxygen from nitrogen, and delivers purified oxygen to you. | You never run out of oxygen! Portable, battery-powered models are fantastic for travel and many are FAA-approved for flights. |
Staying Safe with Oxygen
Oxygen itself doesn’t burn, but it makes fire burn much hotter and faster. Safety is absolutely critical. It might seem like a lot to remember, but these habits quickly become second nature.
| Safety Do’s | Safety Don’ts |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Secure tanks in an upright position so they can’t fall. | ❌ NEVER smoke or let anyone else smoke near you or your oxygen. |
| ✔️ Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure smoke detectors work. | ❌ Don’t use flammable products like petroleum jelly (Vaseline), aerosol sprays, or oil-based lotions. |
| ✔️ Stay at least 5-8 feet away from open flames (candles, gas stoves, fireplaces) and heat sources. | ❌ Don’t store your tanks in a small, unventilated space like a closet. |
What About Side Effects?
Most people do very well on oxygen, but some may experience a dry or bloody nose, headaches, or fatigue. Using a humidifier with your system can help with the dryness. We can always talk about managing any side effects that pop up.
It’s also important to remember that oxygen is a prescription medicine. Using it when you don’t need it or using a higher flow than prescribed can be dangerous. It can slow your breathing and lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
We’ll work together to figure out the right amount for you, and how often you need it—whether that’s 24/7, just during exercise, or only when you sleep.
Take-Home Message
- Oxygen Therapy is a medical treatment that provides extra oxygen to people whose lungs can’t get enough from the air alone.
- It helps reduce breathlessness, increases energy, and protects your organs from the damage caused by low oxygen levels.
- We measure your oxygen with a simple finger clip (pulse oximeter) or a blood test.
- Systems include tanks and portable concentrators; we’ll find the right one for your lifestyle.
- Safety is key. Never smoke around oxygen and stay away from open flames and heat sources.
- Always use oxygen exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Starting on oxygen can feel like a big change, but it’s a step toward feeling better and being more active. You are not alone in this. We are here to support you every step of the way.