|  | Conditions Treatments | Respiratory Disorders

Oxygen Supply Risks

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, or COPD, include emphysema and chronic bronchitis, disorders that cause difficulty breathing. The lungs cannot get sufficient oxygen into the blood. A doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy for COPD patients. The at-home supplements can be provided through oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen and oxygen concentrators, all of which allow the patient to inhale oxygen through a nasal tube called a cannula. Oxygen is a gas that supports combustion; therefore, the patient must take precautions against fire and other risks.

  1. Open Flame

    • Because oxygen is highly flammable, you must never allow anyone to smoke near an oxygen source. When you are using your oxygen equipment, stay at least six feet away from sources of flame such as candles, stoves and gas furnaces with pilot lights, and any other heat sources. If you must cook while using oxygen, keep the tube behind you or under your clothing. Keep a working smoke detector and fire extinguisher in your home. When traveling with a portable oxygen unit, stay away from smokers and other sources of flame, and never store oxygen tanks in the trunk of a car.

    Electrical Appliances

    • Keep your oxygen equipment away from electrical devices such as hair dryers, electric razors and electric blankets, and make sure all electric equipment is safely grounded.

    Flammable Materials

    • Products such as hair spray are highly flammable. Never use aerosol products while your oxygen equipment is on. Keep petroleum jelly and cleaning products that contain grease, alcohol or other flammable ingredients away from your oxygen system. Never use petroleum jelly inside your nostrils to ease dryness from the nasal cannula; water-based lubricants are safest.

    Accidents

    • Keep your oxygen supplement device in a well-ventilated room away from foot traffic, so no one will knock it over. Cylinders should be kept in specially designed carts. Never use tubing longer than 50 feet, and be extremely careful not to trip over it. Don't use extension cords for your equipment.

    Health Risks

    • Oxygen use is not addictive. When used as prescribed, a patient should not experience any side effects. Overuse of oxygen, however, can cause such problems as respiratory depression and toxicity. Symptoms include headaches, drowsiness, confusion, blue lips or fingernails, anxiety, restlessness and shallow breathing. Call a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms or notice them in someone else. Never change the oxygen flow setting on the amount of oxygen your doctor prescribed; an overdose can be harmful. Also, follow instructions for keeping equipment clean to avoid bacterial contamination.

Respiratory Disorders - Related Articles