What is oxygen therapy? How does oxygen therapy work?

Oxygen therapy is one of the treatment methods used in the treatment of many different diseases. When the oxygen level in the blood drops, problems such as not being able to breathe occur. If this situation is not intervened, serious diseases such as respiratory failure are encountered. Oxygen therapy is a form of treatment applied when deemed necessary. It is applied by physicians who are experts in their field.

What is oxygen therapy?

Oxygen is needed for the lungs to perform their duties in a healthy way. When the lungs cannot do their job, decreases in oxygen level are observed. This also causes respiratory problems. In terms of oxygen, different oxygen therapy is applied for each disease. The process of increasing the amount of oxygen that has decreased in the blood is called oxygen therapy. Whether people need this treatment or not is determined by physicians. It is not recommended to take oxygen without consulting a doctor who is an expert in the field. Severe lack of oxygen in the blood is an extremely serious health problem. It is recommended to consult a doctor when symptoms such as sudden difficulty in breathing and increasing chest pain occur.

How is oxygen therapy done?

There are many different types of oxygen therapy available. In general, oxygen therapy is a method used for people with respiratory problems to breathe more easily. When the amount of oxygen in the blood and tissues decreases, not enough oxygen goes to the lungs. This causes the lungs to fail to function as expected over time. As a result of lack of oxygen in the blood, damage to cells and tissues occurs. Oxygen therapy methods are used to revitalize and heal these cells and tissues. One of the oxygen therapy methods is high flow oxygen therapy. It is especially used in respiratory failure disease. Oxygen therapy is often given to people who have breathing problems by giving oxygen through a mask. There are different application techniques according to the type of the disease.

How does oxygen therapy work?

Oxygen therapy may take a short or long time depending on the course of the disease. It is determined by physicians who are experts in the field of treatment planning. Long-term and high-dose use of oxygen therapy can lead to serious side effects. Physicians apply the treatment according to the oxygen needs of the people. When oxygen decreases, not only the lungs but also organs such as the heart and kidneys begin to be damaged. Oxygen therapy is among the best methods to reduce the load on the heart. During the application of oxygen therapy, factors such as respiratory rate, pulse, blood pressure, arterial blood gas are carefully monitored. Compressed oxygen therapy is one of the life-saving treatment methods.

What are the applications of oxygen therapy?

There are many different applications in oxygen therapy. Different applications are made according to the type of disease. The most commonly used oxygen therapy methods are as follows:

  • Oxygen inhalation therapy is one of these methods. Inhalation therapy is commonly known as drug therapy. It is especially used in diseases such as asthma, COPD, bronchitis. The aim of inhalation therapy, which is a form of oral treatment, is to relax the respiratory muscles that are compressed around the respiratory tract and to enable the person to breathe more easily.
  • Another oxygen therapy method is high pressure oxygen therapy. Masks are not used in this form of treatment. It is especially preferred in people with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. This form of treatment also prevents people from being intubated to a great extent. It is a treatment method applied with a special double nasal high flow nasal cannula and a heated inspiratory breathing circuit. This treatment method is also called high flow oxygen therapy.
  • Another treatment method is ozone oxygen therapy. This oxygen therapy, also referred to as ozone therapy, is used to relieve many ailments. It is a form of treatment for people’s circulatory systems. It is preferred to support the treatment of many diseases such as chronic bronchitis and shortness of breath.
  • Many symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, dizziness and fainting can be caused by oxygen deficiency. In such cases, it is recommended that people see a specialist doctor without wasting time.

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