Oxygen therapy

Medical prescription required

• Oxygen (symbol O₂) is a medication and must always be prescribed by a doctor.
• Although oxygen is not addictive, too little or too much oxygen can have serious consequences, such as shortness of breath, drowsiness, or unconsciousness.

Always follow your medical prescription carefully. The oxygen flow rate in litres per minute should only be adjusted on your doctor’s advice.

Types of oxygen therapy

There are different ways to administer oxygen. The choice depends on how many hours per day oxygen is needed and the patient’s mobility.

Gas cylinders

Cylinders containing oxygen in gaseous form.

Smaller gas cylinders are also available, which can be carried in a bag or backpack.

Concentrator

An electric, wheeled device that separates oxygen from nitrogen in the air.

An oxygen concentrator is heavy (20 to 30 kg). For outdoor mobility, a small portable oxygen cylinder can be used.

Liquid oxygen

Oxygen stored in liquid form in a large tank at a temperature of -183 °C.

Larger versions are available for home use, as well as small portable units for mobility.

Oxygen administration

Oxygen is delivered from the device to the user through a tube. It can be administered in different ways.

Nasal cannula

The two ends of the cannula are placed in the nostrils with the curve facing downward. The support rests on the skin to keep the prongs in the correct position. The loop is placed behind the ears and gently tightened under the chin.

A nasal cannula can deliver up to six litres of oxygen per minute.

Mask

The mask is placed over the nose and mouth and secured around the head with an elastic strap. It is used when administering five litres of oxygen per minute or more.

Oxygen delivery via a mask may sometimes cause eye irritation.

Nasal catheter

A flexible tube inserted through the nose into the throat. The catheter must be replaced daily and alternated between nostrils.

Precautions for oxygen therapy

Flammability

Oxygen itself is not explosive. However, it poses a fire hazard if it comes into contact with a heat source, grease, oil, alcohol, or petroleum jelly.

Always follow safety guidelines strictly when using oxygen.

No smoking

Do not smoke while receiving oxygen therapy. In addition to health risks and the potential for burns, smoking reduces the effectiveness of the therapy.

Travelling with oxygen

Car, bus or train

Gas cylinders

• Can be transported lying down or upright.
• Secure them properly to prevent them from falling or rolling.

Liquid oxygen

• Only the portable unit can be transported. The base unit (for home use) cannot be transported.
• Keep the unit upright (vertical) to avoid leaks.

Concentrator

• Can be transported in a car, bus, or train.
• During transport, a small portable oxygen cylinder can be used.

Plane

Are you planning a flight and need oxygen during your journey and stay? Always discuss this with your doctor in advance, as travelling with oxygen therapy requires specific arrangements.