The human body is a well-designed machine that is reliant upon oxygen for nearly every function it performs. Every body needs oxygen. Oxygen is transported into our blood and cells through the lungs. The lungs breathe in oxygen and then pass the oxygen into the blood stream through millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli. Lung diseases that cause scarring or inflammation of the lungs and damage alveoli and hinders their ability to absorb oxygen into the bloodstream. Therefore, the amount of oxygen in the blood decreases, which means that the cells and tissues of the body don’t get the amount of oxygen that they require to function properly.
Oxygen Always is a leading supplier of portable oxygen concentrators and preowned & recertified oxygen concentrators. When the body’s cells don’t get enough oxygen due to COPD, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, or other respiratory conditions, a doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is a treatment that provides the body with extra oxygen. Oxygen therapy from an oxygen concentrator may help patients function better and live a more active life.
Your doctor will need to take your oxygen blood level to determine if you need to be placed on oxygen therapy. There are two ways in which your doctor will test your blood oxygen levels:
– Oximetry- The most commonly used method. A small, clip-on device that shines light through the ear lobe or finger and measures the amount of light absorbed by oxygen carrying hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The device can measure the percent of hemoglobin that is carrying oxygen.
– Arterial blood gas study- Blood is drawn out of an artery though the wrist using a needle and syringe. The blood is then sent through a machine that analyzes it to measure the amount of oxygen gas dissolved in the blood.
Oxygen can be supplemented into the bloodstream through the following therapy systems:
– Nasal cannula– two plastic tubes that are placed in each nostril.
– Face mask- fits over the nose and mouth.
– Transtracheal oxygen therapy- a small tube inserted into the windpipe through a small incision in the front of the neck.
A health care provider will determine your supplemental oxygen needs and will write a prescription for when and how much you should wear your oxygen based on the results of your tests. You will need a doctor’s prescription since oxygen is considered a drug. When a person isn’t getting enough oxygen all of the organs in the body are affected, especially the brain, heart, and kidneys. Supplemental oxygen through the use of an oxygen concentrator keeps these organs healthy, as well as improves quality of life and survival. If you are in need of a home oxygen concentrator or portable oxygen concentrator, Oxygen Always can help find the perfect one for you and your lifestyle.
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