Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that involves the administration of oxygen as a therapeutic agent to help increase oxygen levels in the body.

Indications

• Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Heart failure
• Anemia
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

Methods of Administration

• Nasal cannula: a tube that delivers oxygen directly into the nostrils
• Face mask: a mask that covers the nose and mouth to deliver oxygen
• Venturi mask: a type of face mask that uses a valve to control the flow of oxygen
• Non-rebreather mask: a type of face mask that delivers high concentrations of oxygen
• Hyperbaric oxygen chamber: a sealed chamber that delivers pure oxygen at higher-than-normal pressures

Benefits

• Increases oxygen levels in the blood
• Relieves shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
• Reduces fatigue and weakness
• Supports heart function
• Aids in wound healing

Risks and Side Effects

• Oxygen toxicity: high concentrations of oxygen can cause lung damage or other complications
• Dryness of the nasal passages, mouth, and throat
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased risk of fire due to the presence of oxygen

Contraindications

• Bleomycin therapy: a chemotherapy medication that can increase the risk of lung damage from oxygen therapy
• Certain types of pneumonia, such as those caused by the bacteria Pneumocystis jirovecii

Monitoring and Maintenance

• Pulse oximetry: a non-invasive test that measures blood oxygen levels
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis: a blood test that measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood
• Regular monitoring of oxygen flow rates and delivery systems to ensure safe and effective therapy