Learn About Oxygen Therapy
Your body needs a certain amount of oxygen for its organs to function properly. But if interstitial lung disease (ILD) becomes progressive, the lung scarring (commonly called pulmonary fibrosis) may prevent enough oxygen from being transferred into your bloodstream. This is why your healthcare provider may prescribe supplemental oxygen therapy as part of your care.
“If low oxygen levels are assessed while resting, during
sleep, or with activity—oxygen therapy will be prescribed by your doctor. Your
prescription will include how much to use and when. Generally, oxygen therapy is
adjusted to support an oxygen level of at least 90 percent. Guidelines include starting
oxygen therapy when levels are 88 percent or below.”
Your healthcare provider may use tests, such as an arterial blood gas test and a pulse oximetry test, to determine whether you need oxygen therapy and, if so, how often and how much. These tests measure how much oxygen is in your blood. A low level of oxygen is a sign that you may need oxygen therapy. The tests should be obtained when resting, during activity such as walking, and—in some instances—during sleep as oxygen levels can vary depending on what you are doing. Some people with ILD may have relatively normal oxygen levels while resting or when seated, but low oxygen levels when walking or doing other physically exerting activities.
“To assess your needs, your doctor will measure your blood
oxygen level using a small device that fits on your finger called a pulse oximeter. If
it is below 88%, oxygen therapy is often normally recommended.”
How Oxygen Is Delivered
Oxygen therapy is provided in a special tank or other container. It flows through a tube and is delivered to your lungs in one of the following ways:
Nasal cannula
Two small plastic tubes, or prongs, that fit in both of your nostrils
Face mask
Fits over your nose and mouth and straps onto your
head
For those needing high-flow oxygen, specialized cannula may be
available but require
continuous oxygen and monitoring to assure adequate oxygen
saturation is present at rest and with exercise. Face masks are
not recommended unless the flow setting is 5 LPM or above to
wash out carbon dioxide
Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine which type of oxygen delivery device you should use, as well as how much oxygen you need and how often.
The Possible Benefits and Risks of Oxygen Therapy
The use of supplemental oxygen in people with ILD who have low oxygen levels at rest may help:
- Reduce general breathlessness
- Sustain their ability to perform activities (such as exercise) that may be part of a pulmonary rehabilitation program
- Possibly maintain their ability to take part in daily activities
How oxygen can help
Learn how oxygen therapy may help to manage your symptoms of IPF, which is a type of ILD, from a nurse practitioner who specializes in pulmonary rehabilitation.
However, it’s important to note that oxygen therapy may be associated with a number of possible complications and side effects, such as:
- Dry or bloody nose
- Skin irritation from the nasal cannula or face mask
- Fatigue
Tell your healthcare provider if these problems persist. Your healthcare provider may be able to help relieve some or all
of these issues.
If you start using home oxygen therapy, you should ask your home equipment provider to give you
a complete list of safety steps you'll need to follow.
The Importance of Sticking with Your Therapy
Remember to use oxygen therapy as prescribed by your healthcare provider. While some people may feel embarrassed by having to use oxygen therapy in public, remember that it’s an important medical therapy. Low blood oxygen levels can lead to additional health problems. Your need to use oxygen therapy shouldn’t prevent you from taking part in social activities.