How To Know If You Are In Need Of Oxygen

To understand if you need more oxygen supplied to your body, you first have to understand what oxygen is and what it does for you. Air is a mixture of gases, and oxygen and nitrogen are the two main gases in the air we breathe. Oxygen accounts for roughly 21% of gas in the air and its abbreviation is O2. Every cell in our body needs oxygen to live, so in order for oxygen to get to these cells, it must be transported through the airways of the lungs. Blockage in the airways can be caused from mucus, a narrowing of the airways, swelling or constriction, and can cause air to not be able to reach alveoli in order to deliver oxygen.
In some Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients, adequate air is brought into the alveoli, but the oxygen contained in the air is not able to pass into the capillaries surrounding the alveoli. This results in low oxygen levels and is called hypoxemia. By breathing even small amounts of additional oxygen, the oxygen level in the air rises above 21% to 23 or 24%. This small amount is enough to help “push” the oxygen into the capillaries. Since the body cannot store oxygen, oxygen needs to be given whenever the body is low on oxygen; thus, creating the need for an oxygen concentrator. In some instances, this means that the COPD patient must use oxygen 24 hours a day, also known as long term oxygen therapy.  After your doctor writes a prescription for oxygen therapy, Oxygen Always can help you find the perfect oxygen concentrator online, to best suit your needs.
People with COPD are the perfect candidates for Oxygen Concentrators. If you are an elderly person who has been having trouble breathing, or even an asthmatic person, you may want to consider using an oxygen concentrator. Explain your symptoms to your doctor and they can help you figure out the appropriate oxygen therapy for your condition.
Your healthcare provider can help you determine whether or not you are in need of oxygen by taking a blood sample from your artery. This test is called an arterial blood gas and it measures carbon dioxide and pH, in addition to oxygen, and it can be done in many doctors’ offices, clinics, or hospitals. Measuring oxygen levels can also be done with a pulse oximeter. Oximetry is performed by attaching a clip to your finger that shines a light through it. A tiny computer in the oximeter then determines your oxygen level by the color of the light that shines through from the other side. Oximetry only measures one characteristic of the oxygen in your body and, since it is not as precise as an ABG, should only be used as a guide to oxygen therapy.
Oxygen Always wants you to breathe easily and efficiently. If you have been having trouble breathing or feel any chest discomfort, talk to your physician about using an oxygen concentrator to assist your breathing. Once your doctor has given you written permission to purchase an oxygen concentrator, Oxygen Always can help you find one to suit your lifestyle. Whether it is the smallest oxygen concentrator possible, or a larger at-home oxygen concentrator unit, Oxygen Always has the perfect oxygen source for you.