Oxygen therapy
oxygen therapy · nasal cannula · oxygen mask · oxygen concentrator · home oxygen
You breathe air with extra oxygen through small tubes in your nose or a mask. This raises the oxygen in your blood.
When your blood oxygen is low: with pneumonia, lung or heart disease, or after surgery. Sometimes oxygen is also prescribed for home.
⏱ Duration: from a few hours to constant use, as your doctor decides
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Safety. Oxygen makes fire burn stronger. No smoking, candles, or gas flames nearby, and no greasy creams on your face.
- Flow rate. Your doctor decides how much oxygen to give. Do not change the flow yourself.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines
- A water-based lip balm. Your nose and lips may get dry
How it goes
- The nurse chooses the nasal tubes or a mask
- The tubes go into your nose and loop behind your ears
- The oxygen is turned on at the flow your doctor prescribed
- A sensor is clipped on your finger. It shows your oxygen level
- Breathe as usual, through your nose or mouth
What you'll feel
- A light flow of air in your nose
- Your nose and mouth may get dry
- The tubes sometimes rub behind your ears
Afterwards
- Your oxygen level is checked regularly
- The flow is lowered step by step as you get better
- If oxygen is prescribed for home, you will be shown how to use the device
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Shortness of breath gets worse, blue lips, confusion, or strong drowsiness: call emergency services
- At home, the device stops working and you feel unwell without oxygen: call emergency services
Common questions
Can I get addicted to oxygen?
No, there is no addiction. Oxygen is given for as long as your body needs it.
Can I eat and talk with tubes in my nose?
Yes. Nasal tubes do not get in the way.