COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Peter (qwapo) had a great article on whey some people DON'T need supplemental 02;
which got me wondering why DO I need 02.
I found this site that explains why I do need it.
it's a good site with lots of info about types of 02 & equipment that might help someone new to 02 (or forgetful like me)
http://www.thoracic.org/copd-guidelines/for-patients/why-do-i-need-oxygen-therapy.php
This caught my attention & I have found various sites that say basically the same thing. I guess if a person needs supplemental 02 the more time on it the better???
'' If your oxygen level is found to be low, using less than 15 hours a day has not been shown to provide a benefit, and does not protect your heart, brain and other organs of the body. If you are instructed to use continuous oxygen and choose to go off oxygen temporarily, it is best to do so only while resting quietly, not while sleeping, walking or exerting yourself."
several sites I found seem to say that it needs to be over 15 hours or full time or it is not as beneficial in prolonging life span;
http://www.everydayhealth.com/copd/oxygen-therapy-for-copd.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/oxygen-treatment-for-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd
which got me wondering why DO I need 02.
I found this site that explains why I do need it.
it's a good site with lots of info about types of 02 & equipment that might help someone new to 02 (or forgetful like me)
http://www.thoracic.org/copd-guidelines/for-patients/why-do-i-need-oxygen-therapy.php
This caught my attention & I have found various sites that say basically the same thing. I guess if a person needs supplemental 02 the more time on it the better???
'' If your oxygen level is found to be low, using less than 15 hours a day has not been shown to provide a benefit, and does not protect your heart, brain and other organs of the body. If you are instructed to use continuous oxygen and choose to go off oxygen temporarily, it is best to do so only while resting quietly, not while sleeping, walking or exerting yourself."
several sites I found seem to say that it needs to be over 15 hours or full time or it is not as beneficial in prolonging life span;
http://www.everydayhealth.com/copd/oxygen-therapy-for-copd.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/oxygen-treatment-for-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd
I would also emphasis this quote:
"Breathlessness is not a reliable way of determining if you need oxygen. Sometimes, you can be very short of breath and not need oxygen; other times your breathing may feel okay, but you are not getting enough oxygen. Oxygen is not given to treat breathlessness."
While mortality is practically impossible to predict with COPD there are Four major items that have been proven to lead to a quicker demise.
1. Continuing to smoke
2. Failing to take prescribed medications as prescribed.
3. Not exercising or staying active.
4. Not using O2 24x7, if prescribed 24x7.