Asthma is a prevalent respiratory disorder characterized by inflammation of the airways and constriction, which causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and losing breath. For people with severe asthma, oxygen therapy can be a crucial intervention during exacerbations or uphill attacks. This blog aims to guide asthma patients and their caregivers in selecting a suitable oxygen machine by highlighting eight essential features to consider.
Understanding Asthma And Oxygen Therapy
An asthma oxygen machine is essential for managing asthma when symptoms get worse. Asthma is a lung illness that causes difficulty breathing because the airways are irritated and narrowed. When asthma flares up, oxygen therapy helps by increasing oxygen in the body and easing symptoms. Oxygen treatment uses various devices to supply oxygen to the lungs, making breathing easier and reducing the risk of complications.
Essential Features To Consider When Buying An Oxygen Machine
Prescription Requirement
A prescription from a doctor or nurse is usually required to purchase a machine to ensure its safety and hyperbaric chambers. Your needs and medical background determine the best oxygen flow rate and length of therapy. Getting the proper medication and help from a doctor or nurse is essential for oxygen therapy.
Portability
For people with asthma who need oxygen therapy on the go, portability is critical. Portable oxygen machines, like: https://www.tollgas.com/minneapolis-oxygen-supply/ oxygen concentrators and lightweight tanks, allow patients to continue therapy outside their homes. When choosing a portable oxygen machine, consider its size, weight, and battery life for convenience and flexibility.
Oxygen Delivery System
Systems that supply oxygen come in different forms, such as continuous flow and pulse dose. When you breathe in, pulse dose gives you oxygen in short bursts, while constant flow gives you a steady stream of oxygen. Children with asthma can choose the best system for their needs by learning about their differences and how they work with different amounts of activity.
Adjustable Oxygen Flow
Adjustable oxygen flow settings are essential for accommodating changes in oxygen needs throughout the day. Asthma patients may need more or less oxygen during different activities or times of the day. Adjusting the oxygen flow rate ensures they get the right amount of oxygen comfortably.
Battery Life and Power Source
Regarding portable oxygen machines, battery life and power source choices are critical. A long battery is essential for therapy that doesn’t stop, especially when you’re traveling or doing things outside. If you choose a portable oxygen machine with a stable power source, you can keep doing your therapy without stopping.
Noise Level
The noise from breathing machines can make sleeping hard, especially at night. Patients can sleep better and have less trouble using a quiet breathing machine. Using oxygen treatment machines that make less noise can be more comfortable and satisfying.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning and fixing oxygen machines is needed to keep them running well. Replacing filters, cleaning tubes, and disinfecting parts are all things that can be done to keep the machine clean and running well. Following the maintenance instructions can make the oxygen machine last longer and ensure that treatment is always the same.
Safety Features
It is essential to make oxygen machines safe to use. Monitoring oxygen purity, automatic shut-off, and low oxygen alarms are some safety features that help keep treatment safe. Putting safety features first gives patients and caregivers peace of mind and lowers the risk of problems or accidents.
How Does An Oxygen Machine Help With Asthma?
Mechanism of Action
Oxygen machines work by taking in air from the surroundings, filtering and concentrating the oxygen, and giving it to the user through a nasal cannula or mask. The machine provides a higher level of oxygen to compensate for the reduced lung function caused by narrowed airways in asthma, ensuring the body gets enough oxygen.
Relief during Asthma Attacks
The airways get swollen and tight during an asthma attack, which makes it hard to breathe. A machine that gives extra oxygen to the lungs helps ease symptoms by maintaining a steady oxygen flow. It makes breathing easier and lessens coughing and feeling out of breath. This quick relief can be beneficial for dealing with severe asthma attacks and keeping complications at bay.
Improvement of Oxygen Levels
When someone has an asthma attack, their blood oxygen level can drop. It is called hypoxemia. Using an oxygen machine for therapy raises the amount of oxygen in the blood, improving overall oxygenation and lowering the risk of problems linked to hypoxemia. Oxygen treatment helps the body work well even when asthma is terrible by ensuring that all parts get enough oxygen.
How Should I Handle Asthma Oxygen Machine Discomfort?
Mask Fit and Comfort
Ensure the oxygen mask fits right for ease and to get enough oxygen. It can be painful if the mask is too tight. It might only work well if it’s close enough. It might help to change the mask types or adjust the straps.
HumidificationÂ
The air from oxygen machines can be dry, irritating your airways. Using a humidifier attachment or placing a small humidifier nearby can add moisture to the air, reducing dryness and making breathing more comfortable.
Noise Reduction
Some oxygen machines can be noisy, especially during sleep. Placing the machine away from where you sleep, using soundproofing materials, or getting a quieter model can reduce noise and make it more comfortable.
Psychological Support
Having a chronic condition like asthma can be tough emotionally, and using an oxygen machine might add to your stress or anxiety. Talking to healthcare professionals, joining support groups, or seeing a therapist can help you cope and feel better emotionally.
Regular Maintenance
Keeping your oxygen machine clean is essential to its working well and comfort. Cleaning the mask, tubing, and machine regularly per the manufacturer’s instructions can prevent irritation and discomfort from dirt or bacteria buildup.
Bottom Lime
Choosing a suitable oxygen machine is essential for managing asthma well and improving patients’ quality of life. Here are eight key features to consider: needing a prescription, how easy it is to move around, how the oxygen is delivered, being able to adjust the oxygen flow, how long the battery lasts and how it’s powered, how much noise it makes, how easy it is to clean and maintain, and what safety features it has. Asthma patients and their caregivers can make informed choices to ensure safe, effective, and convenient oxygen therapy by thinking about these features. Talking to healthcare professionals and researching options can help find the best oxygen machine for each person’s needs and preferences.
