Oxygen, a gas found in the air we breathe, is necessary for human life. Some people with breathing disorders can\u2019t get enough oxygen naturally. They may need supplemental oxygen, or oxygen therapy. People who receive oxygen therapy often see improved energy levels and sleep, and better quality of life.<\/p>\n
Who needs oxygen therapy?<\/p>\n
Oxygen therapy is prescribed for people who can\u2019t get enough oxygen on their own. This is often because of lung conditions that prevents the lungs from absorbing oxygen, including:<\/p>\n
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
\npneumonia
\nasthma
\nbronchopulmonary dysplasia, underdeveloped lungs in newborns
\nheart failure
\ncystic fibrosis
\nsleep apnea
\nlung disease
\ntrauma to the respiratory system<\/p>\n
To determine whether a person will benefit from oxygen therapy, doctors test the amount of oxygen in their arterial blood. Another way to check is using a pulse oximeter that indirectly measures oxygen levels, or saturation, without requiring a blood sample. The pulse oximeter clips onto a person\u2019s body part, like a finger. Low levels mean that a person may be a good candidate for supplemental oxygen.<\/p>\n