Why do we need oxygen?
Oxygen is essential for life. When a person has normal lungs oxygen moves from the lungs to the blood, meaning that every part of the body is supplied with oxygen.
Even when the lungs are damaged there is usually still enough oxygen moving from the lungs into the blood and then to the body tissues and a person is able to continue normal activities.

For a small number of people with damaged lungs, the oxygen level is low even when the person is well. If the oxygen level is persistently low, our body tissues are unable to function efficiently and this may cause health problems.

In this situation using Home Oxygen Therapy can be useful. The person would have their oxygen level checked twice, 3 weeks apart and if the oxygen level was low on both occasions Home Oxygen Therapy would be offered. The aim of this therapy is to make sure the heart muscle, brain and other body tissues get a good supply of oxygen to keep them healthy and functioning well.

How is oxygen used?
For this therapy to be useful, the oxygen must be used for at least 16 hours per day. This means starting the oxygen at approximately 4pm, continuing use through the evening and overnight until 8am. This leaves the day free to carry out usual activities.
The reason oxygen is used overnight is that during sleep the oxygen level is lower than during the day. Using the oxygen at night may improve sleep quality, which can improve energy levels during the day time.
The oxygen is provided by an electrically powered machine which draws air from the room and, by a filter mechanism, holds onto the oxygen and removes the other gases. As long as the machine is plugged in and turned on, a constant supply of oxygen is provided. The oxygen is delivered to the nose through a soft tube which is joined to the machine.

Most patients who are started on oxygen therapy will require oxygen permanently, but some patients will only need oxygen for short periods, and then the equipment can be retrieved.

Is oxygen used to treat breathlessness?
Oxygen treatment is not helpful when the oxygen level in the blood is in the normal range. It is important to remember that breathlessness has many causes. For many people with damaged lungs breathlessness will be something which happens on a daily basis and is expected to happen. Even when oxygen levels are normal, breathlessness can be a major problem, and it is important to speak to your doctor or nurse to find out about breathing management which includes: using medication effectively, using breathing management strategies, and keeping up a regular level of exercise.