Prescription for home oxygen therapy is distressing as well as disturbing. If the therapy is not done right, life can come to an end.

People suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or any other lung disease are often prescribed oxygen therapy to reduce breathlessness. This option is available at hospitals but it’s a bit expensive. And people can’t stay there forever. This is why a home setup is required. With this, the patient can stay at home comfortably without any breathing issues. The daily schedule becomes easier for such people.

Home oxygen therapy can be challenging because you cannot prepare a hospital-like setting at home. For example, you cannot keep an oxygen cylinder at home for oxygen delivery as and when required.

In this post, we will discuss tips to make home oxygen therapy successful so you can live a comfortable life.

First, you should discuss the problems with your friends and family

Just like you, this is big news for your loved ones. It won’t be easy for them to see you surviving through oxygen therapy. You should discuss the changes in your life because of the therapy and the things you need for the setup. Discuss the positive points of the home oxygen therapy as well.

The discussion with family and friends is important so that you get the support you need so that it will become easier for you to adjust to the condition.

Second, get all the oxygen therapy accessories

If having an oxygen cylinder isn’t possible at home, you should get an oxygen concentrator. You will find both stationary and portable oxygen concentrators online and in stores.

Other than an oxygen concentrator, you should get tubes and cannulas. The long tube is connected to the concentrator and the nasal cannula is attached to the tube to deliver oxygen to the nostrils. Without these additional accessories, the concentrator cannot be used and the oxygen therapy will fail.

Other things to consider for home oxygen therapy

• Extra oxygen tubing and cannulas should be available within easy reach. It’s because both the accessories are very delicate and can get damaged easily during use. If the tubes and cannulas are not available quickly, the oxygen supply will stop, leading to death.

• Change the tubes and cannulas regularly because they get blocked over time. The small particles in these accessories block the flow of oxygen from the concentrator to the nostril.

• Keep a power backup if you face electricity issues at your home. The flow of the oxygen shouldn’t stop for a second. So you should plan accordingly. The power should start immediately or you should switch to a portable oxygen concentrator without wasting any time.

• Clean the humidifier regularly if you are using it with the oxygen concentrator. It’s because bacteria build up on the concentrator, spreading germs and infections everywhere.

• Fire accidents with oxygen concentrators are very common because they infuse the environment with oxygen. So, you should plan out properly to avoid fire accidents. If possible, define a fire safety practice and educate others in the family as well.

Oxygen therapy is prescribed so that you live a comfortable life. So, take this positively and start home oxygen therapy considering the points discussed in this post.