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Options in Oxygen Administration
Assisted oxygen intake is an inevitability for those that suffer from severe COPD. Under this extreme condition, the lungs no longer process oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently and breathing problems, along with fatigue, prevail. Fortunately, in the past twenty years, there have been many developments in oxygen therapy.
Oxygen therapy includes a prescription use of oxygen for sufferers to use in their daily lives. COPD does not bed arrest. Three major methods of increasing oxygen intake are compressed oxygen, oxygen concentration, and liquified oxygen. Each of these methods requires the use of a nasal or oral plastic tube.
 Compressed oxygen comes in a pressured tank. It stores oxygen as a gas, and often comes in the form of a large canister (complete with flow meter and pressure regulator). Transportation with compressed oxygen is often difficult. For information about compressed oxygen, please visit Portable Oxygen.
An oxygen concentrator is a device that draws in air, oxygenates it and then sends it to the cannula (inhale tubing) or mask. The concentrator works best where there is a constant supply of fresh air. Concentrators require a source of electricity and tend to be no bigger than a briefcase. For more information about oxygen concentrator, please visit The Oxygen Concentrator.
The final common form of administered oxygen is liquid oxygen. Liquid oxygen comes in a cooling container that keeps the oxygen at a frigid -297 degrees F. It is only when the unit is used that the liquid oxygen warms and becomes a gas. Most liquid oxygen tanks come with a portable unit that fills easily and can be carried. More detailed information about liquefied oxygen can be found at Liquid Oxygen.
It is essential to note that smoking not only hinders oxygen therapy but also promotes a safety hazard. Exposure of fire or heat to these devices, especially compressed oxygen, can result in explosion.
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