What is the treatment?
In oxygen therapy, extra oxygen is delivered to the body to improve breathing and oxygen levels in the blood. It is often used for individuals with respiratory problems or difficulty breathing due to low oxygen. Oxygen therapy is a treatment of short duration but some people may require it for long-term use. It is also known as supplemental oxygen therapy. This oxygen therapy is performed in various forms which may include oxygen inhalation through nasal cannulas, face masks, or within oxygen chambers with high pressure.
Philosophy/Origin
Oxygen therapy has been used medically since the late 19th century, especially for treating respiratory diseases. The basic principle of oxygen therapy is to supply the body with additional oxygen, which is important for energy production and normal functions of the organs. Oxygen therapy is used to treat various conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and carbon monoxide poisoning. In today’s world. Oxygen therapy is now being widely used in wellness and holistic care to improve energy, and mental clarity, and speed up recovery.
Physical Benefits
Mental/Emotional Benefits
Long-Term Wellness
Ideal Audience
Oxygen therapy is for individuals with respiratory problems such as asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea Athletes and fitness lovers can also receive oxygen therapy to improve endurance. People who experience fatigue, brain fog, or lack of mental clarity can also benefit from oxygen therapy.
Specific Conditions
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The treatment of oxygen therapy involves the following steps
Consultation
During the consultation, the specific health problems of each individual are assessed. The pulse oximetry is conducted to measure oxygen levels in the blood. This evaluation is important to determine the most suitable form of oxygen therapy.
Method Selection
There are different forms of oxygen therapy. For individuals with respiratory conditions, oxygen may be delivered directly through a nasal cannula or a face mask. But in some conditions, individuals may lie in a chamber that is filled with high-pressure oxygen, usually 2 to 3 times more than normal levels.
Oxygen Delivery
The oxygen is delivered continuously or intermittently according to the prescription. For example, patients with sleep apnea may use oxygen therapy at night. In hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), individuals lie inside a pressurized chamber for 60 to 90 minutes and breathe 100% oxygen.
Duration of Treatment
Oxygen therapy sessions can last from 20 minutes to 1 hour according to the method and the condition of each individual.
Completion of Session
After the session, individuals may experience immediate relief from symptoms of shortness of breath and an increase in their energy level.
What to Expect
In nasal cannula or mask-based oxygen therapy, individuals may experience a stream of oxygen delivered through their nose or mouth, which feels cool and refreshing. For hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the individual enters a sealed chamber and feels a slight change of pressure just like in an airplane.
Immediate Effects
Long-Term Effects
Over time, patients with chronic respiratory diseases may experience improved lung function and reduced symptoms of breathlessness. Athletes who use oxygen therapy as part of recovery often find they can train harder with less fatigue and faster recovery times. Regular oxygen therapy can also improve the immunity of the individual.
Before the Treatment
People should wear comfortable clothing and drink water before the treatment. For medical oxygen therapy, there is a requirement for proper diagnostic testing and the correct oxygen delivery method prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Aftercare
It is essential to track symptoms of breathlessness or energy levels if it is performed due to respiratory conditions. After hyperbaric oxygen therapy, some amount of time is required to adjust the body according to normal pressure.
Oxygen therapy is performed in hospitals and specialized wellness centers. Medical oxygen therapy is usually prescribed by doctors for specific conditions and can be administered at home with the proper arrangements. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is available at specialized centers and is used for both medical conditions and general wellness.
