Sometimes you may have seen someone with breathing difficulties carrying a small tank-like device in a wheelchair, or a hospital bed with a tank like this. These are what we call 'oxygen tanks'. This is a great relief for someone who has difficulty breathing. But there are many important things to know when using these. So today we will talk about what these oxygen tanks are, how to use them, and what safety precautions you should take.
Simply put, what is this oxygen tank?
An oxygen tank is a metal cylinder that stores oxygen gas under high pressure. This is part of a treatment called oxygen therapy . If you have a lung disease or are having difficulty breathing, these tanks help provide the body with the amount of oxygen it needs.
This oxygen can be stored in tanks as a gas (compressed oxygen) or as a liquid (liquid oxygen). These come in different sizes. Some are large and difficult to carry around. They are usually used at home or in a hospital. Others are small and you can take them with you when you go out.
The body obtains oxygen in two main ways:
1. A device with two small plastic tubes that are inserted into the nose. We call this a nasal cannula .
2. A plastic face mask that covers both the nose and mouth.
What are the main methods of delivering oxygen?
There are three main ways you can give yourself oxygen. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Method | Description | Special points |
|---|---|---|
| Compressed Oxygen | The air we normally breathe is about 20% oxygen. These tanks contain 99.5% pure oxygen. You can see how much oxygen is left by using the gauge on the tank. | When the tank is empty, it needs to be refilled. |
| Liquid Oxygen | In this, 100% of the oxygen is stored as a supercooled liquid. When it comes out of the tank, it turns back into a gas. | Extreme caution should be taken. If this liquid oxygen comes into contact with the body, it can cause cryogenic burns or frostbite due to the extreme cold. |
| Oxygen Concentrator | This is a machine that draws in air from the surrounding environment, removes the nitrogen from it, and releases only oxygen. | These work either on electricity or batteries. They don't need to be refilled like tanks. This is the biggest advantage. |
What conditions require oxygen therapy?
Your doctor may recommend oxygen therapy for a variety of conditions that cause breathing difficulties. Some of these include:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) - This is a long-term lung disease.
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Heart Failure
- Lung Cancer
- Pneumonia
- Injuries to the respiratory system (e.g., lung collapse, broken ribs)
- Sleep apnea
In addition to these medical conditions, some athletes or those who travel to high altitudes, such as mountains, may temporarily use oxygen.
How to use an oxygen tank correctly?
Your doctor and the medical device company will teach you how to use it, but it's important to know the basic steps.
1. Secure the tank: Secure the tank in the cover or trolley that comes with it. Do not let it fall.
2. Check the regulator: Look at the meter on the top of the tank. If the needle is in the green section, the tank is full. As you use it, the needle will gradually move towards the red side. When it reaches the red, the tank is empty.
3. Set the correct amount: Only set the regulator knob to the amount of oxygen your doctor has prescribed . Never change this amount at will.
4. Turn the tank on/off: There is a small wrench on the top of the tank to open and close the valve. Turn it to the left to open, and turn it to the right to close.
5. Connect the tubing: Connect your nasal cannula or mask to the appropriate port on the regulator. Check for oxygen by touching it or listening for a sound.
6. Turn off when not in use: Be sure to close the tank valve when you are not using oxygen.
Keeping it clean is also very important.
It is essential to keep the equipment you use clean to prevent infections.
- Wash the plastic tubing you use thoroughly with soap and water at least once a week .
- Change your nasal cannula or mouthpiece to a new one at least once a month .
- If you get an illness like a cold, be sure to replace the cannula or mouthpiece with a new one after you recover.
Safety comes first! Be very careful about these things
This is the most important part. Oxygen is not something that burns. However, if there is oxygen in a place where there is a fire, that fire can spread more quickly and intensely. There is a possibility of a big explosion. So, be very careful about these things.
| Things you should never do near an oxygen tank | |
|---|---|
| Fire and high temperatures |
|
| Flammable materials |
|
| Electrical appliances |
|
It's also a good idea to put up a "No Smoking" sign on your door. Also, always secure the tank, as it can fall. If it falls and breaks, the air can escape under high pressure and send the tank flying like a rocket.
What are the times when you should see the doctor?
If you experience these symptoms while using oxygen, it could be a sign of oxygen poisoning . This means that your body is getting too much oxygen, which is damaging your lungs. If this happens, see a doctor immediately.
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
Also, if you think your oxygen tank or regulator is not working properly, seek medical advice immediately.
The most important thing is that you can't just walk into a pharmacy and buy an oxygen tank. This definitely requires a prescription from a doctor. The doctor is the one who decides how much oxygen you need and how long you need to use it per day.
Getting used to living with an oxygen tank can be a little difficult at first. But don't let it stop you from going about your normal life. If you have any questions or concerns about this, talk to your doctor openly about it. He or she will help you get used to it.
Take-Home Message
- Oxygen is a medicine. Use only the amount and method recommended by your doctor. Never change the dosage on your own.
- Safety first! Keep the oxygen tank at least 10 feet away from flames, excessive heat, oily materials, and smokers.
- Always clean the tubes and masks you use, and replace them with new ones when necessary.
- If you experience symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or severe headache while using oxygen, seek medical advice immediately.
- A medical prescription is required to obtain and refill an oxygen tank.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න