There are three common means of oxygen delivery. A nasal cannula is a two-pronged device inserted in the nostrils that is connected to tubing carrying the oxygen. The tubing can rest on the ears or be attached to the frame of eyeglasses. People who need a high flow of oxygen generally use a mask. Some people who use a nasal cannula during the day prefer a mask at night or when their noses are irritated or clogged by a cold. Transtracheal oxygen therapy requires the insertion of a small flexible catheter in the trachea or windpipe. The transtracheal catheter is held in place by a necklace. Since transtracheal oxygen bypasses the mouth, nose, and throat, a humdifier is absolutely required at flow rates of 1 LPM or greater.

You should never smoke while using oxygen. Warn visitors not to smoke near you when you are using oxygen. Put up no-smoking signs in your home where you most often use the oxygen. When you go to a restaurant with your portable oxygen source, ask to be seated in the nonsmoking section. Stay at least five feet away from gas stoves, candles, lighted fireplaces, or other heat sources. Don't use any flammable products like cleaning fluid, paint thinner, or aerosol sprays while using your oxygen. If you use an oxygen cylinder, make sure it is secured to some fixed object or in a stand. If you use liquid oxygen, make sure the vessel is kept upright to keep the oxygen from pouring out; the liquid oxygen is so cold it can hurt your skin. Keep a fire extinguisher close by, and let your fire department know that you have oxygen in your home. If you use an oxygen concentrator, notify your electric company so you will be given priority if there is a power failure. Also, avoid using extension cords if possible.

The home medical equipment and services company that provides the oxygen therapy equipment you use should provide you with instructions on user care and maintenance of your particular equipment. Here are some general guidelines for your cleaning procedures. You should wash your nasal prongs with a liquid soap and thoroughly rinse them once or twice a week. Replace them every two to four weeks. If you have a cold, change them when your cold symptoms have passed.

Check with your health care provider to learn how to clean your transtracheal catheter. The humidifier bottle should be washed with soap and warm water and rinsed thoroughly between each refill. Air dry the bottle before filling with sterile or distilled water. The bottle and its top should be disinfected after they are cleaned. If you use an oxygen concentrator, unplug the unit, then wipe down the cabinet with a damp cloth and dry it daily. The air filter should be cleaned at least twice a week. Follow your home medical equipment and services company's directions for cleaning the compressor filter.

• Don't ever change the flow of oxygen unless directed by your physician.
• Don't use alcohol or take any other sedating drugs because they will slow your breathing rate. Make sure you order more oxygen from your dealer in a timely manner.
• Use water-based lubricants on your lips or nostrils. Don't use an oil-based product like petroleum jelly.
• To prevent your cheeks or the skin behind your ears from becoming irritated, tuck some gauze under the tubing. If you have persistent redness under your nose, call your physician.

• Call your physician if you experience frequent headaches, anxiety, blue lips or fingernails, drowsiness, confusion, restlessness, anxiety, or slow, shallow, difficult, or irregular breathing.
• Also, call your physician if you feel any symptoms of illness.

GAS EXCHANGE

As we inhale air from the atmosphere we are breathing in a mixture of gasses that contains about 21% oxygen and approximately 0.04% carbon dioxide. As we exhale, we breath out a mixture of gases that is approximately 15% oxygen and 4% carbon dioxide. There are several things to notice as you examine this (animation) which shows an alveolus and capillary as blood pumps and air is inhaled and exhaled.

1. The red blood cells (shown in red) are coming from the rest of the body and are carrying molecules of carbon dioxide (the blue dots) attached to them. The carbon dioxide diffuses through the cells that make up the capillary and the alveolus to escape with the exhaled gasses.
2. At the same time the oxygen (the maroon dots) comes in with each inhalation and diffuses in the other direction to attach to the Red Blood Cells which then carry it on to the rest of the body.

RESPIRATORY AILMENTS

• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease

• Functioning of the lungs is disturbed.
• Proper transfer of gases is not permitted.
• Results into hypoxemia and hypercarbia.

• Pneumonia is an infection of the alveoli.
• Caused by many kinds of both bacteria and viruses.
• Tissue fluids accumulate in the alveoli reducing the surface area exposed to air.
• If enough alveoli are affected, the patient may need supplemental oxygen.

• In Asthma, periodic constriction of the bronchi and bronchioles makes it more difficult to breathe in and, especially, out.
• Attacks of asthma can be triggered by airborne irritants such as chemical fumes and cigarette smoke.
• Airborne particles to which the patient is allergic.

• Progressive destruction of the grape-like air sacs (alveoli) that perform the lung's basic function of exchanging oxygen in the air for carbon dioxide in the cardiovascular system.
• The small air sacs are unable to completely deflate (over inflation) and unable to fill with fresh air for adequate ventilation.

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS

• In chronic bronchitis the air passages become clogged with mucus, and this leads to a persistent cough.
• Chronic bronchitis is usually associated with cigarette smoking.
• Irritation of the lungs can lead to asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. And, in fact, many people develop two or three of these together. This constellation is known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Therefore Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD), is an umbrella term used to describe

• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic asthma.
• Encompassing emphysema
• Progressive lung disease

CAUSES

• Environmental and industrial pollutants
• Passive exposure to cigarette smoke
• Occupational dusts and chemicals (vapors, irritants, fumes) and indoor air pollutions from some fuels used for cooking and heating in poorly vented dwellings.
• Outdoor air pollution adds to the burden of inhaled particles, although to what degree is unknown.

SYMPTOMS

• Chronic cough
• Severe disabling shortness of breath
• Sputum production

Thereby results in progressive limitations of the airflow into and out of the lungs.