Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Using oxygen at home - what to ask your doctor

Oxygen - what to ask your doctor; What to ask your doctor about home oxygen

 

Because of problems with your lungs or heart, you will need to use oxygen in your home.

Below are questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you use your oxygen.

Questions

 

When should I use my oxygen?

  • All the time?
  • Only when I am walking?
  • Only when I am short of breath?
  • How about when I am sleeping?

Is it ok for me to change how much oxygen is flowing out of the tank or oxygen concentrator?

What should I do if I feel more short of breath?

Can my oxygen run out? How can I tell if the oxygen is running out?

  • What do I do if the oxygen is not working? Whom should I call for help?
  • Do I need to have a backup oxygen tank at home? How about when I am out?
  • What symptoms tell me that I am not getting enough oxygen?

Will I be able to take my oxygen with me when I go somewhere? How long will the oxygen last when I leave my home?

Do I need to worry about the electricity going off?

  • What should I do if that happens?
  • How do I prepare for an emergency?
  • How can I arrange to be able to get help quickly?
  • What phone numbers do I need to keep handy?

What can I do if my lips, mouth, or nose become dry? Is it safe to use petroleum jelly (Vaseline)?

How do I stay safe when I have oxygen in my home?

  • Do I need smoke detectors? Fire extinguishers?
  • Can anybody smoke in the room where I have oxygen? How about in my house? What should I do in a restaurant or bar?
  • Can my oxygen be in the same room as a fireplace or wood stove?
  • How far does my oxygen need to be away from electrical equipment? How about electric toothbrushes? Electric toys?
  • Where can I store my oxygen? Do I need to worry about how hot or cold it is?

What do I do about getting oxygen when I travel on an airplane?

  • Can I bring my own oxygen or will my airline provide some? Do I need to call them ahead of time?
  • Will my airline provide oxygen for me when I am in the airport? Or only when I am on the airplane?
  • How can I get more oxygen when I am in places other than my home town?

 

 

References

American Thoracic Society. Why do I need oxygen therapy? Available at: www.thoracic.org/clinical/copd-guidelines/for-patients/why-do-i-need-oxygen-therapy.php. Accessed on February 10, 2015.

National Home Oxygen Patients Association. Understanding oxygen therapy: a patient guide to long-term supplemental oxygen. Available at: www.homeoxygen.org/assets/docs/Understanding%20Oxygen%20Therapy%202013.pdf. Accessed on February 10, 2015.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

          Self Care

           

          Tests for Using oxygen at home - what to ask your doctor

           

             

            Review Date: 2/2/2015

            Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

            The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

             
             
             

             

             

            A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



            Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.