You must have seen in a hospital, right, some patients have a thin tube inserted into their nose? Maybe you have seen someone in your own family have one. Or maybe your doctor has advised you to use this device. This is what we call a 'Nasal Cannula' in medicine. Simply put, this is used to provide our body with the extra oxygen it needs when it is difficult to breathe properly. Let's talk about this clearly and simply today.
What is this Nasal Cannula?
A nasal cannula is a simple device used to give you supplemental oxygen. It is made up of a very thin, flexible tube. This tube goes around your head, rests on your ears, and has two small prongs that are inserted into your nostrils. The oxygen comes out of those two prongs. 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 it temporarily in the hospital, or for some medical conditions, you may need to use it long-term at home. It depends on your medical condition and why you need oxygen.
When is a Nasal Cannula used?
This is of great benefit to those who have difficulty breathing and do not get enough oxygen to their bodies. Oxygen is a gas that our organs need to function properly. So, due to some medical conditions, the body is not able to get enough oxygen. That is when this type of device provides additional oxygen.
The most important thing is that just as a doctor prescribes medicine for you, he also prescribes the amount of oxygen you need. It is never a good idea to increase or decrease the amount of oxygen you are given without the doctor's advice.
Typically, your doctor may recommend a Nasal Cannula if you have the following conditions:
- Asthma, Bronchitis
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) condition
- Complications after COVID-19 infection
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Heart Failure
- Lung cancer or other cancers
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Sleep apnea
This can help people of any age. For example, it is used for newborn babies whose lungs are not fully developed. Also, there are times when this can be helpful, even temporarily, if you go to a mountainous area where oxygen levels are low.
How much oxygen does this provide?
As we discussed earlier, there are two types of these, High-flow and Low-flow. The flow rate, or flow rate, is measured in liters. There is a device that can control this amount of your oxygen supply. Let's look at the difference between these two types in a table.
| Cannula Type | Description |
|---|---|
| High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) | Up to 60 liters of oxygen per meter can be delivered. This oxygen is delivered by heating it and adding moisture . Otherwise, the inside of the nose can dry out quickly and bleed. |
| Low-Flow Nasal Cannula (LFNC) | They provide less oxygen, up to 6 liters per meter. Since the oxygen provided by these is not heated, there is a greater chance of dryness inside the nose. |
Remember, don't think that high-flow is better because it gives more oxygen. Too much oxygen to the body is also dangerous. It can damage the lungs. Therefore, only your doctor can determine the most appropriate method and amount of oxygen for you.
Things to consider when using a Nasal Cannula at home
If you are receiving oxygen therapy at home, it is essential to maintain the equipment properly.
- Checking the tube: Always check the oxygen tube for any kinks or kinks.
- Changing equipment: The long tube connected to the oxygen tank should usually be changed once a month . The nasal cannula (the part with the two tips) should be changed at least once a week.Be sure to change it. You can also clean it with an alcohol wipe between uses.
- Machine maintenance: Your doctor will advise you on how to maintain your oxygen machine.
Attention: Oxygen is a highly flammable gas. Therefore, keep the oxygen tank or device very far away and safe from any flammable objects in the house, such as stoves, candles, cigarettes, lamps. Great care must be taken in this regard.
If your oxygen machine is electrically powered, it is wise to consider an alternative system, such as a generator, that you can use if the power goes out.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a nasal cannula?
Like any treatment method, this one has both advantages and disadvantages.
| Advantages | Disadvantages / Risks |
|---|---|
| It is easy to talk and eat because it does not cover your mouth (unlike an oxygen mask). | Dryness or soreness inside the nose. (You can use a water-based ointment or saline spray for this.) |
| Shortness of breath (fatigue) is reduced and breathing becomes easier . | There is a high risk of fire . Keep away from flames, cigarettes, and candles. |
| Tiredness disappears due to reduced fatigue. | Lung damage from receiving too much oxygen (Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity). |
| Sleep well. | |
| You will have the energy needed to exercise and engage in social activities. |
When should you see a doctor?
If your doctor has prescribed oxygen therapy for you, notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Lips turning pale or blue.
- Fever.
- Change in breathing pattern (rapid breathing, labored breathing).
- Nasal flaring when breathing.
- Hearing unusual sounds (such as wheezing) when breathing.
If you experience severe difficulty breathing, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Don't delay.
Finally, some people ask, "Is a Nasal Cannula or an Oxygen Mask better?" There really is no "better" answer. It depends on your needs, lifestyle, and your doctor's recommendations. For some people, the amount of oxygen delivered through a cannula is more than enough. For others, a mask is needed because they need more. So leave that decision to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- A nasal cannula is a simple, yet very important medical device that provides extra oxygen to your body.
- A doctor will determine the amount of oxygen you should receive. Never change the amount without medical advice.
- If you use oxygen at home, keep it well away from flammable materials (stoves, candles, cigarettes). This is extremely important for life safety.
- Always keep your equipment, especially the nasal cannula, clean and replace it regularly as directed by your doctor.
- If breathing difficulty increases, lips turn blue, or other risk symptoms appear, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 👃 What is Nasal Vestibulitis? Why does the inside of the nose hurt?
Nasal Vestibulitis is a minor infection that occurs in the front part of the nose (nasal vestibule). This is where the inside of the nose becomes red, swollen, and sore. This condition can often be triggered by putting your fingers inside the nose or by dryness inside the nose.
💬 🤒 Can using an oxygen tube (nasal cannula) cause these kinds of injuries?
Yes, absolutely. When you use an oxygen tube continuously, the air coming from it can cause dryness inside the nose. Also, the pressure caused when the tube hits the nose can cause small cracks or wounds, which can allow germs to enter and lead to Nasal Vestibulitis. Therefore, you need to be careful about the moisture in your nose when using the tube.
💬 🛡️ What can be done to prevent these types of nasal infections while using an oxygen tube?
The main thing is not to let the inside of the nose dry out. You can use a water-based lubricant or a cream recommended by your doctor. But do not use anything oily like petroleum jelly (Vaseline). It is also very important to tighten the tube properly so that it does not get stuck in the nose, and to keep the nose clean.
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