What is the oxygen concentrator's role in oxygen therapy?
What is oxygen therapy used for?
Are there side effects to oxygen therapy?
Who should avoid oxygen therapy?
What Is Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy is a means of enhancing the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. Two devices that are used to accomplish this Hyperbaric chambers are small spaces that can have a variable atmospheric pressure. By adjusting the pressure in the room, oxygen can be better absorbed.
What is the oxygen concentrators’ role in oxygen therapy?
Concentrators are often used while the patient is in the hyperbaric chamber to enhance oxygen absorption. Usually the 10 Liter models are used. Air is typically 21% oxygen, but oxygen concentrators specifically pull oxygen molecules out of the air, creating air that is over 90% oxygen. The air is then delivered to the patient through tubing, masks, or nasal cannula. The increased oxygen increases white blood cell efficiency and capillary formation. Dosage is generally measured in the following ways:
- Amount (measured in liters)
- Duration (long an individual treatment lasts)
- Frequency (how many treatments per week)
Vitality Medical offers a variety of physician approved non-portable and portable oxygen concentrators at a great price. Note that the sensors on concentrators can display false readings because of back pressure from the hyperbaric chamber. For questions, call 1-800-397-5899 or e-mail support1@vitalitymedical.com
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What is oxygen therapy used for?
Oxygen therapy has FDA approved to help healing with certain illnesses including:
- Air or gas embolism
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Crush injury
- Decompression sickness
- Enhanced healing of certain types of wounds
- Exceptional blood loss
- Soft tissue infections
- Radiation injury
- Skin Grafts
- Thermal burns
Some people have recommended alternative uses oxygen concentrators including:
- AIDS
- Autism
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spider bites
- Cerebral Palsy
- Lyme disease
- Myocardial Infraction
- Closed head injuries
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain and sports injuries
Vitality Medical does not have information about these alternative uses for oxygen concentrators. It is recommended that you consult your physician before starting oxygen therapy.
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Are there any side effects to oxygen therapy?
Side effects are rare and minimal. Some people report slight nausea or slight discomfort from the breathing. Others report temporary vision problems. When using a hyperbaric chamber, about 5% reported discomfort in the ears.
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Who should avoid oxygen therapy?
You may be unable to use oxygen therapy if you have any of the following conditions:
- Asthma
- Congential Spherocytosis - fragile red blood cells
- High fever
- Middle Ear surgery
- Pregnancy
- Upper respiratory problems
- Viral infections
This list is not comprehensive. Be sure to check with your physician before starting oxygen therapy.
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Sources
- Ocean Hyperbaric Neurologic Center
- FDA Warning Letter
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Risks of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
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