Oxygen

Why?

• Lungs are getting enough oxygen
• Oxygen is a primary fuel for every cell of the body
• Reduced surface area of alveoli in COPD

Understanding Oxygen %

• Room air is 21%
• Each liter increases the % of oxygen by 3-4%
• Oxygen in nonadditive

Oxygen Delivery

• Most O2 tanks can deliver .5 to 6 liters/min
• Nasal cannula
• Oxygen mask

Oxygen flow

Compressed Oxygen

• Tank has concentrated O2
• Oxygen is stored under pressure
• Gauge on takes lets you adjust oxygen flow
• Don't drop it!

Liquid Oxygen

• Kept at very low temp
• Turns to gas when warmed up
• Tanks are lightweight and portable

Oxygen Concentrator

• Machine takes oxygen from the air and concentrates it
• Must be kept by a good supply of fresh air
• Can get long tubing to reach most of the house

Oxygen Safety

Oxygen is Flammable!

• Don't smoke with or near O2
• Keep 5 feet away from flames (stove, matches, candles, fireplace, cigarettes, gas burners, etc)
• Keep 5 feet away from heat sources (space heat, steam pipe, furnace, radiators)
• Always have a fire extinguisher available and know how to use it

smoking and oxygen

Oxygen Safety

• Don't use oil-based vapor rubs, gels or lotions
• Don't use aerosol sprays near oxygen
• Don't use when cooking with gas
• Make sure unit is completely shut off when not in use

Traveling by Car

• Don't store tanks in trunk
• Keep window open a crack for circulation
• Don't smoke in the car
• Always keep liquid oxygen upright, not on side

Traveling by Plane

• Oxygen tanks not allowed on plane
• Most airlines will supply it on the plane, but not the airport
• Some might allow portable concentrator
• ALWAYS check with the airline first
• Arrange to have oxygen available when you arrive

Traveling by Ship

• Check with cruise company
• May be able to bring your own oxygen
• Cruise line usually wants a letter from the doctor, medical history and O2 prescription
• You need to arrange for oxygen to be delivered to cruise ship

Travel by Bus/Train

• Call ahead and let them know
• Usually able to take your own oxygen
• Might need to show your prescription

Lack of oxygen

• Hypoxemia: low oxygen in artery blood, less than 93%
• Hypoxia: not enough oxygen in tissues, leads to organ damage and failure

Emotional Impact

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Side Effects