Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen Therapy – What is it?

Oxygen therapy is a unique alternative treatment. Oxygen is the necessary element humans need to survive. While a healthy human can get it from the air naturally, people with certain health conditions need supplemental oxygen because the normal amount of oxygen in the air is not enough for them. This is where oxygen therapy comes to help.

In this therapy, people receive purified oxygen through a mask, tubes, or something similar. To check whether you are the right candidate for the treatment or not, your practitioner will check the amount of oxygen in your blood. If it is lower than the normal amount, you may need oxygen therapy.

This medical treatment is often prescribed for people who suffer from the following health conditions:

○ Asthma

○ Cystic fibrosis

○ Respiratory system trauma

○ Pneumonia

○ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

○ Lung disease

○ Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

○ Heart failure

○ Sleep apnea

Oxygen therapy has different forms, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, recreational oxygen therapy, etc. During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you inhale 100% pure oxygen while sitting/lying in a pressurized chamber. While in recreational oxygen therapy, you inhale purified oxygen that is often infused with different scents. It is often offered in night clubs, casinos, etc.

What are the benefits of this therapy?

Popular benefits include:

Extend life expectancy by preventing heart failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Studies also prove that supplemental oxygen can increase the lifespan of people suffering from COPD.

Reduce symptoms of headaches, swollen ankles, and fatigue.

Increase overall energy levels.

Become more active due to the decrease in shortness of breath.

Improvement in mood.

Better quality of sleep.

Enhance development and growth of children who are born with chronic lung conditions.

Reduce behavioral changes caused by low oxygen.

What should I expect from a session?

When you go for a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session, the practitioner first assesses your health condition and performs an initial evaluation. They will discuss the whole procedure, how it is performed and what its possible side effects can be.

Then a technician familiarizes you with the chamber and informs you how to prepare for it. You are given a hyperbaric-approved cotton gown. Also, it is made sure that you are not wearing any watch, jewelry, or perfume.

They will check your vital signs before you are asked to lie down inside the chamber. You can take a nap, talk to the technician, or watch a movie (if this facility is available) during the session. After the therapy, your vital signs will again be checked to ensure there is no abnormality. One session can be 1 to 2 hours long.

Summary

People who cannot get enough oxygen from the air need oxygen therapy to improve their overall health. It can boost their mood, increase stamina, reduce shortness of breath, increase mental alertness, improve sleep quality, and even increase life expectancy.

People suffering from certain health conditions need ongoing therapy to live normally and perform day-to-day activities. Once you develop a routine and learn how to manage regular sessions, the therapy does not disturb your daily activities or limit your routine.

 

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