Which groups need oxygen generators？
Under normal circumstances, the body absorbs oxygen from the environment through the respiratory system and delivers it to various parts of the body through the blood circulation. However, in some cases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, altitude environment, sleep apnea, etc., patients may not be able to get enough oxygen, at which time oxygen therapy is needed to supplement oxygen to maintain normal physiological function. For some patients with chronic diseases, long-term oxygen inhalation is an important means to maintain life.
Who needs an oxygen generator?
1) Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: such as patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema, their lungs are structured and unable to effectively exchange oxygen.
2) Patients with pulmonary fibrosis: the lungs will lack elasticity, affecting lung gas exchange, resulting in a decline in lung gas exchange function.
3) Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) : PAH can cause increased pulmonary vascular resistance and affect pulmonary blood circulation.
4) Patients with severe lung infections: temporary or long-term oxygen generators may be required while recovering from the disease.
5) Patients with sleep apnea: This condition causes patients to stop breathing several times during sleep, which leads to hypoxemia. An oxygen generator is needed if the oxygen saturation is still decreased after the airway obstruction factor is removed.
6) Heart failure: It is the terminal stage of all heart diseases, and oxygen therapy can increase oxygen delivery, thereby reducing the burden on the heart and relieving symptoms.
7) Patients with severe anemia: severe anemia can lead to hypoxia of body tissues and increase the burden on the heart, while correcting anemia, oxygen generators can provide additional oxygen.
8) Cancer patients: Especially those with extensive lung metastases or lung complications, may need oxygen therapy.
9) Plateau environment: Living in a high altitude environment, because the oxygen content in the air is low, may lead to dizziness, memory loss, etc. Oxygen therapy will increase oxygen supply and relieve hypoxia symptoms.
10) Others: Some diseases such as carbon monoxide poisoning, some neuromuscular diseases, etc., oxygen generators help to alleviate the condition and improve symptoms.
How do I get oxygen?
There are two main ways to get oxygen:
1) Oxygen cylinder: This is a traditional oxygen generator. Oxygen cylinders are usually 5 liters, 10 liters or larger and contain compressed oxygen. The use of oxygen cylinders requires regular inspection and replacement to ensure the supply and safety of oxygen. Usually the oxygen cylinder used by the oxygen generator can be delivered to the door and replaced through the local supply channel. Patients who continue to use oxygen need to have adequate oxygen tanks at home.
2) Oxygen generator: Oxygen generator separates different components of gas through different principles. These devices are usually small and can provide a continuous supply of oxygen, suitable for long-term oxygen generators. The oxygen production and concentration of the oxygen generator can be adjusted according to the needs of the patient.
In the home environment, the patient's heart rate, respiratory rate, cyanosis, and consciousness should be observed after oxygen therapy. The patient's heart rate slowed down, respiratory rate decreased, dyspnea improved, and cyanosis relieved or disappeared, indicating that oxygen therapy was effective. Patients with bradybreathing, consciousness disorders and other manifestations suggest poor oxygen therapy effect, should improve oxygen flow, replace oxygen inhalation devices, and seek medical attention in time. Whether carbon dioxide is elevated should be determined by the primary disease, symptoms and blood gas analysis.
In short, oxygen generators offer patients the possibility of receiving oxygen therapy at home. However, to ensure the safety and effectiveness of oxygen therapy, patients should follow the relevant precautions and daily care. With a reasonable oxygen generator, patients can alleviate hypoxia symptoms, improve quality of life, delay disease progression, and reduce medical costs.
