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Our lungs, when not damaged, need approx. 21% oxygen in order to keep the body alive and functioning properly. That is the amount contained in room air (aka ambient air).
A pulse oximeter or a blood gas test can show what the oxygen level is in the bloodstream of a client. If the test shows that the oxygen in the client’s bloodstream is less than 88%, they will be considered for supplemental oxygen. What that means is that the 21% is not enough to allow them to function properly. The healthcare provider will determine how much supplemental oxygen the person will need depending on the situation (i.e.:at rest, exertion, during sleep).
When we breathe in air, our lungs will extract the oxygen and utilize it for muscle movement, heart function, and brain function; just to name a few systems it services. Oxygen goes into our lungs and then passes through a membrane into the bloodstream. When the lungs have been damaged, the membranes are not fully intact and oxygen no longer passes easily into the bloodstream. Just about every system in our body requires oxygen to function. Low oxygen levels can lead to memory issues, heart failure, and death. Anoxia refers to a condition where the body and brain do not receive enough oxygen to survive. This can cause brain damage, coma, and ultimately death. If your body requires “supplemental oxygen” it is imperative that you follow the prescription that has been laid out by your healthcare provider. If you modify the prescription yourself, you are at risk for many issues. Oxygen is a drug and it is regulated by the FDA in this country. Taking more or less than has been prescribed for your condition can lead to a multitude of health risks. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that oxygen is a drug, and they use their oxygen as they want, not necessarily the way it was prescribed.
Conditions that normally requires supplemental oxygen:
Lung tissue that has been destroyed or altered from these conditions prevents the oxygen from easily transferring from the lungs into the bloodstream. Depending on how long the lungs have undergone damage will depend on how they function. The longer the “offense” to the lungs, the more damage that can be realized.
Author Profile: Laura Castricone, Respiratory Therapist
My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory care including sleep medicine, critical care, rehab, and home care. I earned my respiratory certification at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Prior to becoming an RT, I attended the University of Connecticut pursuing a degree in English but left Uconn in my junior year to work with my father in the restaurant business. I stayed with him for over a dozen years. An education, by the way, that can never be bought! Once I married and had children, the restaurant business no longer fit my lifestyle. When my children were one and two years old, I decided to go back to school and that is where my career in respiratory care began. This career has been very rewarding and I have been blessed to meet some extraordinary people along the way. I grew up in Waterbury, CT, and now live in Litchfield County, CT with my husband and our crazy Jack Russell terrier, Hendrix. My hobbies include antiquing, gardening, writing plays, and painting miniature paintings.
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My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory ...
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