Oxygen Services - Oxygen Therapy

What is supplemental oxygen therapy?

Oxygen is needed to enable the organs in the body to work efficiently. As you breathe in air, the lungs take the oxygen from the air and move it into the blood stream and then to the vital organs in the body.

Sometimes the lungs cannot get enough oxygen into the blood. This can put a strain on the heart and blood vessels and increase fatigue, due to the lack of oxygen to the muscle tissues.

What is my oxygen prescription?

There are different ways of using oxygen and your oxygen specialist health care professional will have explained how to use your oxygen. The different types are explained within this leaflet.

Insert details of prescription here, including flow rate/hours per day and type of oxygen and when to use:
 

Long Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT)

To improve oxygen levels and reduce the strain on the heart and lungs, it is sometimes necessary for people to use oxygen for more than 15 hours a day (including overnight). This type of usage is called Long Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT). This is given to prevent complications but may not reduce the sensation of breathlessness.

What are the benefits of having the treatment?

• Increased life expectancy
• Improved quality of life
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved oxygen delivery to vital organs

What if I decide not to have LTOT?

Choosing not to have LTOT may not affect your condition immediately. However, your symptoms are likely to increase over time and LTOT has been shown to reduce the likelihood of heart failure and to increase life expectancy.

When should I use the oxygen?

• You should use the concentrator for at least 16 hours every day
• The 16 hours can be made up to fit into your own routine
• You could put your oxygen on after your evening meal, around 6pm when you are watching television, keep it on overnight and then remove it the next morning around 10am. If there are times you need to come off the oxygen earlier, just make this time up later in the day when you can use it
• Use the 8 hours when you are not connected to the oxygen concentrator to continue with your usual activities

Ambulatory Oxygen Therapy (AOT)

Many patients with a chronic lung condition do not need oxygen therapy at rest or when walking short distances. However, the body needs more oxygen during activity and therefore oxygen levels in people with chronic lung disease may fall when they exercise.

If you have been advised that your assessment has shown that you would benefit from using oxygen during activities such as walking outdoors, shopping or gardening, ambulatory then you will be provided with equipment that allows you to use oxygen when you are out and about.

Being discharged with oxygen

Your medical condition itself may cause breathlessness. Most breathless patients have a good oxygen level and do not benefit from oxygen therapy

As your condition improves and your medical team begins to plan your discharge home, it may be felt that your oxygen levels are still slightly low, and you may be issued with a temporary supply of oxygen to be used at home until the specialist oxygen team reviews you

What will happen at my oxygen review once I am home?

• You may need a further oxygen assessment
• If this is required, the oxygen team will visit usually 5 to 6 weeks after your hospital discharge and perform a simple blood test from the lobe of your ear. This is not painful but may cause slight discomfort. The blood will be tested immediately and will show the oxygen level in your blood
• If your blood oxygen level has improved, you will be able to stop using your temporary oxygen therapy
• If your blood oxygen level remains low, you may need to continue with the oxygen therapy. To improve the oxygen level and reduce the strain on the heart and lungs
• If you do not need a further assessment The specialist team will review your current prescription and make sure this is still appropriate for your needs

What happens next?

The specialist oxygen team will organise for oxygen equipment to be delivered to your home. This will be installed by a specialist technician, who will instruct you on how to use the equipment and provide safety information. The oxygen supplier will notify the fire service that oxygen has been installed at your home. The home oxygen service will visit you at home to check your progress at regular intervals.

Do I need to take any special precautions when using oxygen therapy?

Yes. Oxygen therapy can cause fire if used near a naked flame No one should smoke anywhere near the oxygen source even when it is not in use!

Do not use products containing yellow Paraffin near oxygen e.g., Vaseline.

Are there any risks associated with the treatment?

If the oxygen flow is too high or too low, it can be equally as dangerous. It is therefore very important that you do not alter the flow rate of your oxygen

Do I need to take any special precautions when using oxygen therapy?

Oxygen therapy can cause fire if used near a naked flame e.g. open fires, lighters, matches, cookers and candles.

• DO NOT smoke or use an e-cigarette near the oxygen source even when it is not in use
• DO NOT alter your oxygen flow rate. This prescription is set at a safe level for your needs and should only ever be altered by the specialist team
• DO NOT use products containing grease or oil on or near to the face, for example, Vaseline and lip balms. Water based products CAN be used instead. If you need to apply specialist creams to your body ALWAYS ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly before dealing with your oxygen. You should also make sure that you wash your bedding and night clothes regularly
• Oxygen can be worn whilst eating but DO NOT wear whilst cooking
• DO NOT store oxygen in the same place as other flammable materials
• If using alcohol hand gel, you should ensure that your hands are completely dry before you touch your oxygen
• DO be careful to ensure that your oxygen tubing does not come into contact with anything that could melt it - you should always make sure that oxygen equipment is kept at least 3 meters away from heat sources
• DO check the position of the oxygen tubing before walking around your home to ensure that you do not trip or slip
• DO contact the Home Oxygen Therapy Service for advice if you experience nasal discomfort or nose bleeds
• If you experience a sore nose, only use aqueous creams or aqueous jelly. Do not use products containing petroleum
• If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local oxygen team who will assist you as required
• Do let your insurance provider know that you have been commenced on oxygen therapy

Contact Details

If you require any further information then please contact your local Home Oxygen Team.

Bury, Rochdale and Oldham - 0161 778 2399 (Mon - Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Salford - 0161 206 0865 Mon (Fri 8am – 4pm)