Respiratory diseases are one of the main causes of death and disability in the world. Take asthma, for example; it affects approximately 25 million people in the United States.
Other common conditions that affect the lungs include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia.
Depending on the severity, an individual may require oxygen therapy. What is it? Is it a type of holistic therapy?
Want to know? If so, you’re on the right page—we’ll be going over the topic in detail below. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Oxygen Therapy?
Our bodies require oxygen to obtain energy, which is used to fuel our living processes. Some conditions, however, can cause your oxygen levels to drop too low. Not only will it make you feel tired, but it can also damage your body. For example, it can interfere with brain and heart function.
In cases like that, you’ll need oxygen therapy—it’ll allow your lungs to take in more oxygen so that there won’t be any ill effects.
However, it’s important to note that despite it being oxygen, it is considered a drug. In other words, it does require a prescription from your doctor.
Who Needs Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy is often prescribed for those with COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis. Not only that, but it can also help those with heart failure.
To determine whether a person will benefit from the treatment, a doctor will test the amount of oxygen in their blood using a pulse oximeter. Low levels (<60 mmHg) mean that they’re a good candidate for supplemental oxygen.
Depending on the situation, they may need it occasionally or all the time.
Different Types of Oxygen Therapy
There’s more than one type of oxygen therapy. Here’s what you need to know.
Compressed Gas System
Compressed gas systems consist of a tank that contains oxygen. Larger, stationary containers are usually used within the home, while smaller, more portable tanks are used outside the home.
Generally speaking, most of them deliver oxygen in pulses. However, some systems may also allow for continuous flow.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is different in that a person will breathe in pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber or room. This increase in pressure will up the amount of oxygen that’s delivered to the body’s tissues.
A type of holistic therapy can help treat various conditions, from carbon monoxide poisoning to stubborn wounds. If anything, it’s one way how to biohack your body (i.e., ‘hacking’ your body with science and biology).
Oxygen Therapy – A Type of Holistic Therapy
And there you have it—a short guide on what oxygen therapy is. As you can see, it can be considered a type of holistic therapy, one that’s effective for various ailments.
Looking for more content like this? Then be sure to check out the rest of our lifestyle section!