How to Recognize When You Need Oxygen Therapy?

Oxygen is a must for the body’s cells to function properly. However, in some cases, due to medical conditions like chronic respiratory conditions or other health issues, most patients struggle with not getting appropriate oxygen, which leads to major health risks like hypoxemia, which happens when blood oxygen levels are lower than normal. 

When a patient is struggling with critical conditions like this, then oxygen therapy may be necessary as it is a life-saving treatment, especially for individuals who struggle with low blood oxygen levels. Recognizing when you need oxygen therapy is important for maintaining overall health and preventing complications in the future. 

In this guideline, we will explore the signs that indicate that you need oxygen therapy and the symptoms of low oxygen levels so you know when your body is asking for attention and requires action, like consulting a healthcare professional. So, let us discover when it is the right time to consider oxygen therapy. 

What Are the Signs You Need Oxygen Therapy?

Identifying when your body is demanding the need for oxygen therapy. To begin with, one needs to understand the symptoms of low oxygen levels. Here is how you can indicate that your body is struggling with the symptoms of low oxygen level:

1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea):
   Struggling with heavy breathing while performing heavy exercise is understandable, but if you are feeling breathless while performing light exercises or activities and even when you are resting, then you must not neglect this condition. This situation mostly happens when the person is dealing with issues like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or asthma.

2. Fatigue and Weakness:

If you notice that you are frequently feeling tired even when you are not performing any activity, then it is a sign that your body is dealing with low oxygen levels and your body is not delivering oxygen to your muscles and organs, which is necessary for their functionality. As a result, you end up feeling tired all the time.

3. Rapid Heart Rate (Tachycardia):

Irregular heartbeats, like your heart is beating faster most of the time. Then, it can be a sign that the body is struggling with oxygen deprivation, and to compensate, your heart may beat faster even when you are doing nothing. 

4. Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating:
   To perform well, the brain also requires the appropriate supply of oxygen, and in any case, your brain is not receiving it. Then, the patient might struggle to perform normal and daily activities, as a lack of oxygen supply can lead to confusion, memory issues, or difficulty focusing.

5. Bluish Discoloration (Cyanosis):

If you notice a bluish tint on your lips, fingertips, or skin, then it can also indicate that your body might be struggling with critically low oxygen levels and require quick medical attention, like consulting your healthcare specialist. 

6. Morning Headaches or Restless Sleep:
   Suppose you observe that you constantly have headaches each time you wake up or are dealing with a lack of sleep due to restless sleep. Not having a proper sleep cycle mostly happens when your breathing is frequently interrupted due to a sleep disorder, also known as sleep apnea, which happens when the airway gets blocked. This is also a sign that your body needs oxygen therapy to prevent this issue when the patient is sleeping. 

Medical Conditions That May Require Oxygen Therapy

The following are the medical conditions that lead patients to rely on oxygen therapy: 

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia 
• Asthma
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Sleep Apnea 
• Heart Failure

When Should You Consider Oxygen Therapy?

If you are experiencing symptoms like Shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, rapid heartbeat, lack of concentration, bluish discoloration, morning headaches, or restless sleep, then it can be a sign that you should start thinking about considering oxygen therapy. To make an informed decision regarding it, you should first monitor your oxygen saturation levels. But how can you monitor your oxygen saturation levels and identify that your body needs attention? Well, to monitor oxygen saturation levels, one medical equipment that is commonly and widely used is a pulse oximeter. If the readings are in the range of 95-100%, then it means that oxygen is being properly delivered to your body.  But if the reading is below 90%, then it means that your body requires attention,n and you need to start oxygen therapy.

If you are dealing with a chronic respiratory condition or symptoms like the above-mentioned, then your doctor might prescribe you a blood gas test to get an accurate idea about the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood. Based on the oxygen level in your blood, the doctor will decide whether to go for oxygen therapy or any other treatment required. 

How Is Oxygen Therapy Administered?

When it comes to understanding the need for oxygen therapy, you also need to understand that it is delivered in many ways that merely depend on the severity of the condition:

• Nasal Cannula 

A nasal cannula is an ideal medical equipment when low to moderate oxygen flow rates are required. This lightweight tube comes with two prongs that fit directly into the nostrils. This equipment efficiently delivers oxygen to the user through the nose. A nasal cannula is widely used as it offers comfort and ease of use. 

• Oxygen Mask 

An oxygen mask is ideal equipment when higher oxygen flow rates are required. The device covers both the nose and mouth, which makes it capable of delivering a higher concentration of supplemental oxygen. It is also well known for its accurate oxygen delivery.

• Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Portable oxygen concentrators are ideal for individual who require traveling but rely on the oxygen machine to manage their health. They are compact and lightweight, which allows the patient to easily access their oxygen therapy needs anywhere. For those who prefer having an active lifestyle, this device is perfect for you. 

How to Monitor Oxygen Levels at Home

If you want to monitor oxygen levels at home, then a pulse oximeter is ideal equipment. As it accurately measures the oxygen saturation levels. Through regular monitoring, you can prevent major health risks and take appropriate action in a timely manner:

• Normal oxygen levels: If the reading is in the range of 95-100%. This means that your body is receiving proper oxygen. 

• Concerning oxygen levels: 

If your reading is below 90-94%. This means that you need to consult a doctor.

• Critical oxygen levels: If the reading is below 90%, then it means that your body is struggling due to low oxygen levels, and you are required to seek immediate medical help.

When to See a Doctor

If you are constantly struggling with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, tiredness, and breathing issues, even when doing nothing or just lying down. Then, it is a sign that you need to see a doctor to take actions that improve your overall health. 

Can low oxygen levels be treated at home?

To treat low oxygen levels at home, doctors mostly suggest using medical equipment like portable oxygen concentrators or home oxygen therapy setups. Both options are ideal for getting an appropriate supply of oxygen while enjoying the convenience and comfort of home. 

What are the benefits of oxygen therapy?

Oxygen therapy offers adequate oxygen supply to the body. By opting for oxygen therapy, an individual can enhance energy levels, reduce shortness of breath, and support vital organ function.