What is Oxygen Therapy?

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?

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 the 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 [email protected]

What is oxygen therapy used for?

Oxygen therapy has FDA approved to help treat 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.

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.

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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