An obstructive lung condition causes blocked airways, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis or emphysema are the most common symptoms of COPD. The US has the third-highest number of deaths due to COPD. Unlike other types, the most common form of COPD is found in older adults. Typically, the illness develops over several years. Having certain COPD risk factors for a more extended period will increase your risk of developing the disease as you get older.
COPD and Portable Oxygen Therapy
Those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) typically need extra oxygen. However, those with oxygen tanks may be nervous about traveling, so they stay at home instead of taking vacations.
Travelers can choose to take tanks of compressed oxygen instead of compressed oxygen tanks. With portable oxygen concentrators, air from a room is transformed into concentrated oxygen. In contrast to traditional tanks, most lightweight tanks are compact and don't require refueling.
Batteries power pOCs. The battery life of some POCs can exceed 12 hours. Also, the POCs have DC and AC adapters to be plugged into any AC outlet or car.
Age of onset
The disease most commonly affects older adults, but people in their middle years can also suffer. Youthful adults are less likely to contract it.
The lungs of young people are generally in a healthy state. COPD usually begins several years after birth.
COPD symptoms usually appear by the age of 40. COPD can occur in young adults, but it is uncommon.
Some genetic conditions, including alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, can predispose people to COPD at a young age. When you begin experiencing COPD symptoms at a very young age, typically under 40, your doctor may screen you for this condition.
There can be slight variations in the progression of the disease, so it is more important to pay attention to possible symptoms of COPD than to your age alone.
How Does Oxygen Therapy Work?
By doing so, you can breathe in more oxygen. Doctors and nurses may refer to it as "supplemental oxygen." Supplemental oxygen can be administered in several ways when you are undergoing oxygen therapy:
Tubes: The first thing you'll probably need is a nasal cannula. This device has two small boxes that go into your nostrils and a longer air tube connected to an oxygen tank. Most oxygen therapy utilizes this method.
Facemask: People who have trouble using nasal tubes or need more oxygen should wear a facemask covering the nose and mouth.
Surgery: If the condition is severe, a surgeon may create a hole in the windpipe (trachea). You insert a tube into your windpipe from your oxygen tank through a small hole in your neck. You do this with a transtracheal line.
Oxygen Tanks: You can carry the tanks or wheel them around. Some larger tanks are also available for home use.
In the case of oxygen therapy, you arrange for your tanks to be delivered to your home. You breathe in only oxygen when you have them installed because they filter other gases.
Oxygen therapy can also be obtained at a hospital, or you can fulfill your oxygen demand at home using oxygen concentrators.
Benefits of Therapy
You may experience fewer breathless episodes when you get more oxygen. Maybe you can sleep better too. It may also enhance your energy and ability to exercise, improve your ability to focus, improve your mood, and enhance sexual relations.
Having a healthy heart (where your heart pumps enough blood to your body) can significantly lower your risk of heart failure; perhaps you'll live longer after complicated situations.
With oxygen therapy, fires are a significant concern. You use a portable tank outside or at home if you're on therapy. Keep open flames at least 5 feet away. Avoid smoking or being around smokers. Keep your oxygen tank out of confined spaces. When you receive oxygen therapy, you may also experience several side effects. The skin around the facemask or nasal cannula can become inflamed. You might experience dryness inside your nose. Once in a while, you may experience a nosebleed. It's possible to wake up with a headache or feel tired in the morning. Oxygen levels can be adjusted in some cases to prevent these side effects. You may need fewer sessions but talk to your doctor first. It may be necessary to change the equipment if you're experiencing problems. Humidifiers in your room can reduce skin dryness.
Who Needs Oxygen Therapy?
With worsening COPD, oxygen therapy might be a good option for you.
If your lungs do not function well, your doctor may have you undergo some tests. Oxygen levels, for instance, are measured by the tests. The tests include:
Arterial blood gas test: The procedure is the same as a standard blood test. A lab checks your oxygen level after taking blood from your arm.
Oximetry test: It differs significantly. A light is shone through your skin by a device worn on your finger. Oxygen levels in your blood can be determined by how much light your red blood cells absorb.
A blood test may determine that you need therapy if your oxygen levels are unhealthy. Sometimes, treatment is only temporary. There could be an infection or a bout of COPD, causing your breathing to worsen. Depending upon the type of infection, you may only require the therapy while sleeping, being active, or having the condition.
The more advanced your case is, the more oxygen therapy you might need all day long. The doctor will prescribe the number of hours you need to take supplemental oxygen each day. The prescription also specifies the amount of oxygen you need to take each day.
Your Outlook
The disease of COPD progresses over time. This means it generally worsens over time. Smokers should try to quit so they can benefit from their therapy. It may be possible to slow down COPD progression by quitting smoking.
As a minimum, oxygen therapy reduces breathlessness. Additionally, it can help you feel better. Let your doctor know if you notice that your breathing is improving. It may be possible to reduce your therapy sessions.
Talk to your doctor before stopping therapy or making any changes yourself. Oxygen levels that are too high or too low can cause serious health problems. Your heart and brain can suffer damage if you get too little oxygen. You can also suffer breathing difficulties if you get too much oxygen.
Your breathing can be eased if you manage oxygen therapy well. Even with severe lung disease, you can do more and live more generally if you're willing to travel with a small oxygen tank.
The Takeaway
People over age 40 are most likely to develop COPD, but it is not a natural part of aging. When you experience symptoms of COPD, you should contact your doctor right away. It would help if you did not brush off possible signs of the disease as it can lead to further problems.
COPD is not curable, but it can be treated as early as possible to reduce its effects using portable oxygen concentrators. If you eliminate known risk factors, you can improve your outlook regardless of your age.
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