Prescribed by a licensed physician, oxygen therapy is expected to increase the amount of oxygen in your blood, and can be prescribed for short-term or long-term use. Before your doctor prescribes long-term oxygen therapy, he or she must try all other available treatments to stabilize your condition - if you smoke, you will be advised to stop.
Raising low blood oxygen levels can improve sleep and brain function, and decrease shortness of breath. Oxygen therapy can also decrease your number of visits to the hospital and improve your general quality of life. The goals of oxygen therapy may include:
- Improved quality of life and enhanced longevity
- Decreased heart strain
- Increased tolerance for activity and exercise
- Palliation of late-stage and end-stage illness
Your need for oxygen therapy is determined by a clinical test. From there, your physician can determine if you require supplemental oxygen and what amount of oxygen should be prescribed. There are two typical tests:
- An arterial blood gas (ABG) test is usually completed in a hospital and requires a sample
of blood be taken from one of your arteries.
- An oximetry test is non-invasive and can be administered by your doctor or other qualified health professional. A small sensor is placed, usually on your finger, to read how much oxygen is in your blood.