What is Supplemental Oxygen Therapy? Why do we need it?

Breathing is one of the four major vital signs of life. Breathing – also known as respiration, is the process with which our body expels Carbon Dioxide from our body and brings in Oxygen. Oxygen is extremely important for our survival and the only way for humans to add oxygen to their body is through breathing. Individuals with respiratory disorders might find it difficult to naturally get enough Oxygen in their body. This may be due to various health conditions like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Pneumonia, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, Lung Cancer, allergies, and many other diseases that affect our respiratory system. For these individuals, supplemental Oxygen therapy is a blessing and may introduce a much-needed lifestyle change.

Who needs Oxygen Therapy?

Patients with lungs that have been affected by the conditions mentioned above may be unable to maintain optimal Oxygen saturation in their bodies. This can easily be checked using a clip-on device that uses Oximetry to determine the available amount of oxygen in your blood. If your blood oxygen saturation is low, you may need short-term or long-term Oxygen therapy to maintain optimal levels. The main reason for this is that the tissues in our body cannot store Oxygen. A constant supply of Oxygen is needed for our body to function normally. The lack of Oxygen can cause breathlessness, fatigue, lack of coordination, high blood pressure, and in severe cases, death.

What is Oxygen Therapy?

Supplemental Oxygen therapy delivers Oxygen to the sufferers on a continuous or pulse mode according to need, enhancing the amount of oxygen in their body and improving their quality of life. Oxygen therapy can be provided in hospitals, at home and nowadays with the advent of portable Oxygen concentrators, while on the move! With a nasal cannula and portability, Oxygen therapy has enabled patients suffering from chronic respiratory problems like COPD to lead problem-free, near-normal lives.

Aren’t portable oxygen delivery devices big and heavy?

Portable devices like the Inogen One G3 are as small as a laptop and can be carried around in a sling case, letting you live your life normally, without the added need to constantly be confined to a chair for Oxygen delivery. As this device does not rely on stored Oxygen, you do not face the risk of running out of Oxygen. With 8-10 hours of battery life and options to charge while on the move, these devices are a boon for anyone who requires constant Oxygen supply.

Oxygen therapy for youngsters

In young children who have chronic lung conditions like COPD, Oxygen therapy can help in boosting their growth and development, while enhancing survival rates many times over. Oxygen therapy can also help children be physically active, boosting stamina and increasing fitness levels. This therapy also helps in the social development of children by allowing them to play and interact with other children without feeling left out or physically inadequate, boosting self-confidence and fostering interpersonal relationships.

Oxygen therapy while traveling

A major risk and gripe for sufferers of chronic lung conditions was travel. Their need for a reliable source of Oxygen supply had omitted the prospect of traveling from their life and most patients ended up being confined to either their home or the area around it where they could lug their portable cylinders along. Portable Oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G3 have changed the way COPD sufferers lead their lives. With most airlines now allowing portable Oxygen concentrators in-flight, COPD sufferers can enjoy traveling with their friends and family.

Technology has always been at the forefront of medicine, and devices like the Inogen One G3 showcase the role technology can play in helping individuals lead happier, more fulfilling lives. In India, Sanrai Med is one of the first companies to bring premium respiratory support devices like the Inogen One G3 to the mass market.