Oxygen therapy

Introduction : 

Patients with respiratory dysfunctions are treated with oxygen therapy inhalations it relieve hypoxemia. 

What are the oxygen levels in the blood ?

The normal amount of oxygen in the arterial blood should be in the range of 90 – 100 mmHg.

• If it falls below 60mmHg irreversible physiological effects may ocuur, It is  urgent to correct the hypoxemia promptly.

• Tissues vary in their oxygen requirements the cerebral cells receives 20% of the body’s oxygen ( O2 ) supply and can live only for a few minutes ( 5 – 7 Min ).

• If this o2 supply is out off other cells such as myocardium can survive little more without a fresh supply of oxygen ( O2 ).

• Remember that the Oxygen (O2 ) administration treats the effects of oxygen (O2) deficiency. But it doesn’t correct the underlying cause. 

Indications : 

Cyanosis : 

          Defined as the bluish color of the Skin, Nail beds and mucous membrane resulting from a decreased amount of oxygen ( O2 ) in the Hb of the blood.

Breathlessness of labored breathing :

Example Breathlessness may be caused by certain diseases such as Asthma, emphysema, pulmonary embolism, coronary thrombosis and other cardiac insufficiencies.

An environment low in oxygen ( O2 ) content.

Anemia : 

          Deficiency of either quality / quantity of red corpuscles in the blood giving rise to symptoms of hypoxemia.

Diseases :  

In which the oxygen ( O2 ) across the alveolar capillary membranes.
Ex : Pulmonary edema, Pneumonia, Chest injuries.

• Patients whose respiratory capacity is diminished by some diseases or conditions.
  Ex : Atelectasis, Pneumonectomy, Thormoplasty.
•  Poisoning with chemicals that alters the tissues ability to utilize the oxygen ( O2 ).

Ex : Cyanide poisoning.

·        Shock and circulatory failures.

·        Hemorrhage and air hunger.

·        Patients under anaesthesia.

·        Patients who are critically ill.

·        Patients with psychologically induced breathlessness.

Ex : Anxiety, Neurosis.

·        Asphyocia : Condition in with there is a lack of oxygen ( O2 ) supply in the lungs leading to unconsciousness caused by the bleeding of air passage with foreign bodies.

Ex : Drowing, Electrical shock, Inhalation of poisonous gases.