Oxygen is an essential component for humans to breathe. If it cannot be obtained naturally, it will likely require the help of oxygen therapy.
A person's inability to get oxygen naturally usually occurs when he is suffering from respiratory problems. Through oxygen therapy, a person can improve the quality of sleep and physical strength, as well as the overall quality of life for the better.
Reasons for COPD Patients Need Oxygen Therapy
One of the health problems that usually require oxygen therapy is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a long-term disease that affects the lungs, namely chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is usually characterized by a persistent cough with phlegm and shortness of breath.
Through oxygen therapy, the patient will get more oxygen, even though the breathing process is disturbed or cannot be done freely. Oxygen therapy may also increase the life expectancy of people with COPD.
To make it easier for patients to get oxygen, there are several ways to do it, starting with using oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, to liquid oxygen devices. Currently, oxygen therapy does not have to be done in a hospital because there is already a portable oxygen therapy device that is practical and can be taken anywhere.
Oxygen Therapy for COPD
To determine whether or not oxygen therapy is needed, people with COPD will undergo tests. An examination will be performed to measure the oxygen level in the patient's blood. If the test results show low blood oxygen levels, your doctor will recommend oxygen therapy.
Another thing to consider is how long a person should be on oxygen therapy each day. In some people, this therapy must be done continuously, both day and night. Those who are advised by doctors to undergo continuous oxygen therapy will be instructed to do so for a minimum of 15 hours or longer per day.
There are also COPD patients who only need to do it at night, otherwise known as nocturnal oxygen. This type of oxygen therapy is used in patients with severe COPD who experience shortness of breath during sleep at night. There are also patients who only need oxygen during activities, such as during exercise, which is called exertional oxygen.
However, COPD patients do not always have to undergo oxygen therapy. Some patients may only need a few weeks. Discontinuation of this therapy can be done when there are no complaints in COPD. However, if the patient's condition is too severe, oxygen therapy may need to be carried out for life.
Oxygen therapy requires proper procedures in its implementation. Therefore, it is important to carry out oxygen therapy based on recommendations or under the supervision of a doctor, to avoid things that are not desirable.
