Long Term Oxygen Therapy

Download Long Term Oxygen Therapy leaflet

What is Oxygen?

Oxygen Therapy helps improve low blood oxygen levels. Oxygen is
needed to enable the organs in the body to function efficiently.
It is a prescribed medication. The amount you have been prescribed
has been carefully assessed and is individual to you.

How to use your Long Term Oxygen Therapy

The oxygen company will provide you with an oxygen concentrator
machine and a backup cylinder for emergency use only.
You should use your oxygen at _ _______ Litres/minute (L/min).
You should use the_________________________________
(Device)
In order for you to get the greatest benefit, you should use your
oxygen for a minimum of 15 hours per day. Up to 24 hours is fine,
but do not let this limit your lifestyle.
The 15 hours of oxygen can be used to fit around your individual
lifestyle. These hours can be broken up to make it easier for you to
use oxygen without it being too disruptive. We would recommend
that you use the oxygen overnight, and make up the rest of the hours
in blocks during the day. Alternatively you may choose to use the
oxygen for set time frames per day.
You may be provided with ambulatory cylinders to supplement your
long term oxygen therapy hours per day for when you leave your
home. The flow rate of oxygen should be used at the same flow rate
as noted above.

However, if the cylinders have been provided to increase your level
of activity, it may mean that you are advised to use variable flow
rates.
It is important that you do not change the flow rate of your oxygen.
Unless advised, changing the flow rate without a proper assessment
can be dangerous. This is because oxygen is a prescribed
medication and should be treated like any other prescribed
medication you may take. Never let anyone else use your oxygen, as
it may cause serious harm.

Safety Precautions

• Never smoke or let anyone else smoke near you when using
the oxygen equipment. This includes electronic cigarettes.
• Never charge an electronic cigarette or similar device close to
you when using your oxygen equipment or near the equipment
itself.
• Never use or store oxygen equipment within 3 metres of open
fires or naked flames such as matches, lighters, gas cookers or
candles.
• Never use or store oxygen equipment within 1.5 metres of
other heat sources such as electrical fires, gas heaters, boilers,
radiator or white goods.
• Never use petroleum, oil or paraffin based products (for
example Vaseline) when using your oxygen. It is highly
flammable and it can react with the oxygen causing irritation
or burns to the skin. Use only water soluble products (e.g. KY
Jelly).

Further information is located in the Home Oxygen supplier’s
handbook. This handbook is provided when the oxygen supply is
initially installed.

When to contact the Home Oxygen Team

• If you have any questions following your recent review.
• If you require advice and support regarding oxygen equipment.
• If you have been suffering with occasional nasal blood spotting,
scabbing and/or nasal dryness, we may consider an alternative
device to provide Oxygen, prescribe a topical ointment to help
lubricate the nasal mucosa or complete a referral to the Ear,
Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist for advice.
• If you have active nasal bleeding which has not stopped within
20 minutes, it is advisable to seek urgent medical attention via
your GP or the nearest accident and emergency department.

How to contact the Home Oxygen Team

• If you have any enquiries, concerns or require further
information, the team can be contacted on 01253 956972. The
team are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Please
note we have an answer machine and messages are checked
regularly throughout the day. Please leave your name, contact
number and a brief message.
• If your health is deteriorating please seek urgent medical advice
either via your GP surgery, community team, call 111 or in a life
threatening situation call 999.