Home Oxygen Patient Information Leaflet – Respiratory Patients

This is for patients who are receiving follow up from the Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist Team).

You have been prescribed oxygen therapy; this may be a temporary measure to aid recovery, or it may be a more permanent form of therapy depending on your condition.

Oxygen

The air we breathe contains 21% oxygen - a gas vital to every cell in our bodies.

People with breathing problems may have low levels of oxygen and may have to work much harder to obtain all of the oxygen they need. This can cause breathlessness and tiredness, particularly after walking or coughing. For some people, breathing air with a higher concentration of oxygen can reduce these symptoms.

This approach of treatment will be different for patient with lung problems; a respiratory specialist will assess whether extra oxygen is appropriate for you. This is done by some simple tests to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. If it is felt that oxygen is required, the respiratory specialist will prescribe the most appropriate form of oxygen therapy for you. Your details will be sent to the oxygen company for your area who will contact you, or a named contact to arrange delivery of oxygen equipment required.

Types of oxygen

Oxygen can be supplied in the following ways:

Oxygen concentrator

An oxygen concentrator is a machine approximately two feet square and two and a half feet high that is plugged into the ordinary household electricity supply. It filters oxygen from the air in the room, and this oxygen is then delivered by plastic tubing to either a face mask or nasal cannula (small tubes placed in the nostrils). In some instances, a smaller portable concentrator may be advised if you need to use oxygen for long periods when going out.

The machine is quiet and compact, and the engineer will explain to you, or to a friend or relative, how to use it and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

A back-up cylinder of oxygen is also provided in case of breakdown and regular maintenance visits will be made to make sure that the concentrator is always operating perfectly.

Oxygen cylinders

There are various sizes of oxygen cylinders. The size of cylinder delivered will depend on an individual’s need, and the amount of oxygen required. Oxygen will be provided in cylinders if you require it when you leave the house (ambulatory oxygen).

Oxygen is a drug, so adherence and compliance is very important as too much or too little may cause harm. It is a non-flammable gas; however it makes things burn much more than normal.

Smoking and naked flames

It is really important that when you are prescribed oxygen, that any smokers are informed that they must not smoke inside the house or anywhere near your oxygen at any time. If you are a smoker and require oxygen, you must have either given up smoking or demonstrate a willingness to do so before oxygen is installed. This will be discuss with you at your assessment. Do not use your oxygen near open fires or naked flames such as candles or gas cookers.

Storage

Keep in well ventilated area, which is clean and dry and away from any sources of heat. The area should be free from flammable materials such as paint and large quantities of combustible material such a paper or cardboard. Always turn off your oxygen equipment when not in use.

Oils and Grease

Do not use oils or grease with your oxygen equipment. Only use authorised creams and moisturisers (use water based moisturiser like KY jelly for lip care). Do not use aerosol sprays such as hairspray or deodorants whilst using oxygen.

E-cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes should not be used whilst receiving oxygen and the batteries of e-cigarettes should not be charged in the vicinity of the person receiving oxygen or the oxygen source itself

Going on holiday

Prior to planning a trip you should consider the following:

• If you are planning to fly you should discuss your plans with your GP, consultant or nurse as you may require a test to see whether you require oxygen when you fly (called a hypoxic challenge test). Many people with lung conditions, even if they do not normally require oxygen, may require oxygen when they fly.
• Oxygen can be arranged anywhere in the UK, however, destinations abroad would have to be discussed with the oxygen company.

Your oxygen prescription:

Name: NHS No:

You have been prescribed oxygen therapy at …… L/min or ………% venture mask for a minimum of ……… hours a day at rest.

When mobilising you should use your oxygen at ……….L/min or ………% venturi mask or

Setting ............if using portable concentrator.

Contact details

The Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist Team will call you within 48 hours of discharge to ensure all oxygen equipment has been delivered and to arrange a home visit as deemed necessary.

If you require more information on using your oxygen please contact us 01223 216647

For any issues with the oxygen equipment or supplies please contact your oxygen supply company.