Oxygen levels in the human body can be low for a variety of reasons. In particular, lung diseases require oxygen therapy to be given to the patient, that is, to ensure long-term or constant supply of oxygen. Especially when COVID-19 causes breathing difficulties, the patient has to be given oxygen. In that case the oxygen concentrator machine works better than the oxygen cylinder. There is no need to refill regularly as it can provide oxygen for a long time and the price of oxygen concentrator machine is much lower now than before. Let's take a look at its uses, types and precautions.
What is Oxygen Concentrator?
An oxygen concentrator is an electric device that collects oxygenated air from the natural environment, removes carbon dioxide and nitrogen from it, and delivers pure oxygen.
When to use?
When the oxygen level is below 94 percent then oxygen therapy is required. Failure to supply oxygen during this period can cause damage to other parts of the body. So an oxygen concentrator is needed to provide uninterrupted oxygen.
Where to use?
Since oxygen cylinders always have to be supplied in large quantities to supply oxygen, it is used and difficult, so an oxygen concentrator has to be used as an alternative. Also, if there is a patient with shortness of breath at home, an oxygen concentrator should be kept at hand.
Types of Oxygen Concentrators
There are two types of oxygen concentrators available in the market today.
A type of oxygen concentrator collects oxygen from outside and delivers it through a tube. It has to be turned on and off via switch on-off. It will continue to collect oxygen from start to finish.
The other is the auto oxygen concentrator. It depends entirely on the pulse of the individual. Automatically delivers oxygen from the concentrator when the person's pulse rate decreases. It provides oxygen only during respiration.
Caution
1. Physician's advice must be sought before using oxygen concentrator.
2. Measure the patient's pulse rate with the help of pulse oximeter and then use the concentrator if necessary.
3. The oxygen concentrator must be pre-determined according to how much oxygen the patient will need.
4. Every 1 liter of oxygen supplied increases the oxygen level in the lungs by 24%.
5. It is better to have a power backup because it requires electricity to run. If the power goes out, it will shut off.
6. The capacity of the concentrator should be checked regularly. When it expires, it will have to be replenished.
7. Measure the patient's oxygen level regularly. Keep an extra small oxygen bottle with you, if for some reason it doesn't work then use it as a bakup.
8. If the patient has difficulty breathing, it may not work, then use a pure oxygen cylinder or consult a doctor.
This article has been posted on: January 11, 2022
