New Years Resolution for a healthier Respiratory Year

New Years Resolution for a Healthier Respiratory Year

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With the new year just ahead, it’s a good time to start thinking about your new year’s resolution. Many people want to step into the new year as healthier versions of themselves.

If you wear supplemental oxygen, understanding oxygen therapy and learning how to maintain oxygen equipment can help you stay healthy and active and maximize your health all year.

Why Do I Need Oxygen?

Chronic lung disease causes damage to the lungs. Whether you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or another lung disease, lung damage causes the lungs to not “take in” enough oxygen. Less oxygen results in the body’s organs and tissues not getting the oxygen they need to function correctly.

One common problem among people with COPD is damage to tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli. Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli; Oxygen makes its way into the blood for delivery to the rest of the body. Then the blood returns to the lungs with a waste gas, carbon dioxide, which gets exhaled.

However, COPD causes damage to the alveoli, and they cannot absorb as much oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. In this case, the body’s organs and tissues don’t get enough oxygen to thrive. Lacking oxygen causes symptoms like shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, and trouble with daytime activities.

Therefore, some people with COPD require supplemental oxygen to keep their bodies functioning optimally. When you wear oxygen, your lungs take in more oxygen with each breath, so your body’s cells, tissues, and organs get what they need.

Once your doctor prescribes supplemental oxygen, it’s crucial to remain compliant with your oxygen therapy since your organs and tissues depend on it. Oxygen therapy helps you breathe more comfortably, reducing shortness of breath and allowing you to enjoy daytime activities.

Maintaining Oxygen Equipment

Cleaning and maintaining your oxygen equipment is a crucial step in oxygen therapy. Clean equipment that functions correctly keeps it from malfunctioning or making you sick. Since your equipment provides oxygen that you breathe in, dirty equipment (like nasal cannulas) could cause you to breathe in bacteria and viruses that could make you sick.

Your oxygen supplier or manufacturer should have instructions for cleaning and maintaining your equipment. But following these basic tips can help you achieve optimal oxygen therapy to help you thrive.

  • Clean your nasal cannula and oxygen tubing: Although not required, it’s a good idea to wipe down your nasal prongs (the part of the cannula that sits in your nose) daily with an alcohol wipe. Each week, wipe your cannula and tubing with a washcloth and warm, soapy water while avoiding getting water inside the tubing. Wash your cannula daily if you become sick. Use a mild soap, like dish detergent.
  • Know when to replace equipment: Replace your nasal cannula every two to four weeks or sooner if you’re sick. Replace your oxygen tubing every two months and your air filter monthly.
  • Have an extra nasal cannula on hand: Having two cannulas allows you to wear your oxygen with one while cleaning the other.
  • Clean your oxygen face mask: If you use an oxygen face mask, clean it twice a week using warm, soapy water.
  • Clean or change your filter: Clean your filter with warm, soapy water each week. Check with your oxygen supplier for instructions on how often to change your filter. Generally, filters are changed monthly.
  • Clean the humidifier: Clean your humidifier every time you refill it. After washing with warm, soapy water, rinse well. Refill with distilled water only.
  • Avoid using tap water: Tap water can damage your equipment. If possible, use distilled water.
  • Allow equipment to airdry fully: After washing your equipment, always allow it to dry thoroughly before using it again to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Have your machine serviced: Every year, have your oxygen supplier service your oxygen concentrator. They’ll ensure it’s working correctly and providing adequate oxygen purity.

Thriving All Year With Supplemental Oxygen

Don’t just wear supplemental oxygen; thrive with it. Taking care of your equipment is only one component of wearing supplemental oxygen. It’s also crucial to take care of yourself.

Use these tips for self-care during oxygen therapy.

  • Moisturize your lips and nose with a water-based lubricant or aloe, and avoid oil-based products.
  • If your nasal cannula causes pain or discomfort behind your ears, try foam cushions.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family.

Staying Active in the New Year

Wearing supplemental oxygen doesn’t mean your active days are over. Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) provide oxygen therapy on the go. Many of them are lightweight and easy to carry, so you can still travel, run errands, and exercise.

If you have COPD or another lung disease, exercise could help. Consider pulmonary rehabilitation to learn more about your lungs and exercise. It’s possible to be active with COPD without being short of breath.

Exercising provides numerous benefits. With COPD, exercising can actually improve how your body uses oxygen and reduce COPD symptoms. It also lowers blood pressure, strengthens muscles, bones, and joints, helps maintain a healthy weight, promotes relaxation, helps you sleep, among so many other things. Aerobic exercises, stretching, and strength training make excellent choices.

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.

Know When to Talk to Your Doctor

Talk to your doctor if you feel more short of breath than usual, experience headaches, feel anxious or nervous, or your lips or fingernails appear blue.

Information on this page is for reference and educational purposes only. For more information about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), talk to your doctor or primary care provider.

Additional Resources

Updated: December 20, 2022
Published: January 10, 2013

Sources:

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

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