You may have seen patients in hospitals or in movies with two small plastic tubes inserted into their noses. These tubes go around their ears and are secured around their heads. Have you ever wondered what this is and what it does? That device is what we call a "nasal cannula " in medicine. In this article, we will talk about what it is, why it is used, and what important facts you need to know about it.
Simply put, what is this nasal cannula?
Simply put, a nasal cannula is a device that delivers extra oxygen to your body through your nose. We call this supplemental oxygen or oxygen therapy . It is made up of a very thin, flexible tube. At one end of this tube, there are two small pieces of tubing (prongs) that go into your nostrils. That's where the oxygen goes into your body. The other end of the tube is connected to an oxygen tank or other oxygen supply machine.
There are two main types of these:
1. High-flow nasal cannulas (HFNC): These deliver more oxygen per minute.
2. Low-flow nasal cannulas (LFNC): These deliver less oxygen per minute.
You may need to use this temporarily in the hospital, or you may need to use it long-term at home. It all depends on your medical condition and why you need oxygen therapy .
Why do we need this Nasal Cannula?
This nasal cannula is very useful for those who have difficulty breathing , that is, who cannot get the right amount of oxygen to the body. We know that oxygen is a gas in the air we breathe. This oxygen is essential for the organs of our body to function properly. If your body is not getting the right amount of oxygen due to some medical condition or for any other reason, this cannula helps to make up for that deficiency.
Think of it like a doctor prescribing you pills . Your doctor decides how much oxygen you need.
Never increase or decrease the amount of oxygen your doctor has prescribed as you see fit.If there is any concern, be sure to talk to your doctor before doing it.
Conditions that may require a nasal cannula
Especially in cases of respiratory diseases, it becomes difficult for the body to obtain oxygen. In such cases, providing supplemental oxygen in this way may be essential.
| Condition | A brief introduction |
|---|---|
| Asthma, Bronchitis | Difficulty breathing due to swelling and narrowing of the airways. |
| COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) | A condition caused by long-term damage to the lungs. |
| Covid-19 (COVID-19) | Pneumonia is caused by damage to the lungs by viruses. |
| Pneumonia | An infection in the lungs. |
| Heart Failure | The lungs are affected due to the heart's inability to pump blood throughout the body. |
| Lung Cancer | Impairment of lung function by cancer cells. |
| Sleep Apnea | Breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. |
Not only this, but it can help people of any age. For example, a newborn baby's lungs are not fully developed, so they may need oxygen through a nasal cannula. Also, if you go to a high altitude, like a mountainous area, where the oxygen levels are low, some people may need this.
What is the difference between High-Flow and Low-Flow cannulas?
The main difference between the two is the amount of oxygen delivered per minute. Your doctor will decide what type of oxygen you need and how much oxygen (flow rate). This amount is measured in liters.
| Cannula type | Description |
|---|---|
| High-flow | - These can provide up to 60 liters of oxygen per minute. - These provide heated and humidified oxygen. - This is done to prevent the inside of the nose from drying out and bleeding due to the dry air coming in at high speed. |
| Low-flow | - These can provide up to 6 liters of oxygen per minute. - These provide unheated oxygen. - Therefore, the inside of the nose can dry out quickly when using these. |
Some may think that using a high-flow machine is good because it provides more oxygen. However, getting too much oxygen to the body is also dangerous. Therefore, it is very important to get the amount of oxygen that your doctor prescribes.
Using and Maintaining a Nasal Cannula at Home
Yes, this is a great way to get oxygen therapy at home. But if you use it, it is your responsibility to take proper care of your equipment.
This is how you should take care of these appliances at home.
- Always check the oxygen tube for any kinks or kinks.
- Change the long tube connected to the oxygen tank at least once a month.
- Change your nasal cannula (the part with the two tubes) at least once a week. You can also clean it with an alcohol wipe between uses.
- Perform routine maintenance on your oxygen machine. Your doctor will tell you about this.
Be very careful with fire!
This is the most important thing. Oxygen is a highly flammable gas. Therefore, do not place your oxygen system near any open flames in your home.
- Stove
- Candles
- Cigarettes
- Incense sticks
Do not keep any of these items near someone who uses oxygen. Also, if you are using an electrically powered oxygen machine, it is wise to have an alternative system, such as a generator, to use in case the power goes out.
What are the advantages and possible disadvantages of this?
Like any medical treatment, this one has benefits and some risks.
| Benefits | Disadvantages / Risks |
|---|---|
| ✅ It is easy to talk and eat because the mouth does not close. (This cannot be done when wearing a mask). | ❌ Dryness or soreness inside the nose. (You can use a water-based ointment or saline spray for this). |
| ✅ Shortness of breath (fatigue) is gone, breathing becomes easier. | ❌ High risk of fire. Keep completely away from flames, cigarettes, etc. |
| ✅ Because the effort required to breathe is reduced, body fatigue is reduced. | ❌ Damage to the lungs from receiving too much oxygen (Pulmonary oxygen toxicity). |
| ✅ Sleep well.People with lung diseases are more likely to have difficulty sleeping. | |
| ✅ The body gets the energy it needs, so you have more energy to exercise, be social, and travel. |
When should you see a doctor immediately?
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, call your doctor immediately if you have difficulty breathing or experience any of the following symptoms:
- Lips turning pale or blue.
- Fever.
- Changes in breathing pattern ( rapid breathing , labored breathing).
- Nasal flaring when breathing.
- Hearing unusual sounds, such as a whistling or groaning sound, when breathing.
Whether you need a nasal cannula or an oxygen mask depends on your needs and your doctor's recommendation. There is no such thing as one being better than the other.
For many people with breathing difficulties, a device like this can be a life-long help. Some need it for a short period of time, while others need it for a long time. However, it is a great treatment that can improve your quality of life, give you energy, and help you feel better.
Take-Home Message
- A nasal cannula is a simple device that provides supplemental oxygen to the body through the nose.
- Only your doctor can decide how much oxygen you need. Do not change it arbitrarily .
- If used at home, it is very important to keep the equipment properly clean and maintained .
- Oxygen is highly flammable, so keep the oxygen machine and any open flames, such as pipes, stoves, candles, and cigarettes, completely away from it.
- If you experience increased difficulty breathing or warning signs such as blue lips , seek medical advice immediately.
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