The need for oxygen is found by measuring the amount of oxygen in your blood stream. If your oxygen level is below a critical level at rest, then you need oxygen close to 24 hours a day. Some people with COPD do not need oxygen when they are inactive, such as when sitting, but need oxygen when exercising, such as walking, or with eating and/or sleeping. Breathlessness is not a reliable way of determining if you need oxygen. Sometimes, you can be very short of breath and not need oxygen; other times your breathing may feel okay, but you are not getting enough oxygen. Oxygen is not given to treat breathlessness. Although some patients feel some relief in their breathlessness from the flow of oxygen on their face, less expensive ways of getting this same relief can be obtained with a fan.
Your healthcare provider will find out if you need oxygen therapy by taking a blood sample from your artery. This test is called an arterial blood gas (ABG) and it measures carbon dioxide and pH in addition to oxygen. This can be done in the office, clinic or hospital, wherever the arterial blood equipment is available. When making an important decision, such as who needs oxygen, the best evaluation is with an ABG. Measuring oxygen levels can also be done with a pulse oximeter. Oximetry is performed by attaching a clip to your finger that shines a light through it. A tiny computer in the oximeter then determines your oxygen level by the color of the light that shines through from the other side. Oximetry only measures one characteristic of the oxygen in your body and, since it is not as precise as an ABG, should only be used as a guide to oxygen therapy.
The need for oxygen is found by measuring the amount of oxygen in your blood stream. If your oxygen level is below a critical level at rest, then you need oxygen close to 24 hours a day. Some people with COPD do not need oxygen when they are inactive, such as when sitting, but need oxygen when exercising, such as walking, or with eating and/or sleeping. Breathlessness is not a reliable way of determining if you need oxygen. Sometimes, you can be very short of breath and not need oxygen; other times your breathing may feel okay, but you are not getting enough oxygen. Oxygen is not given to treat breathlessness. Although some patients feel some relief in their breathlessness from the flow of oxygen on their face, less expensive ways of getting this same relief can be obtained with a fan.
Your healthcare provider will find out if you need oxygen therapy by taking a blood sample from your artery. This test is called an arterial blood gas (ABG) and it measures carbon dioxide and pH in addition to oxygen. This can be done in the office, clinic or hospital, wherever the arterial blood equipment is available. When making an important decision, such as who needs oxygen, the best evaluation is with an ABG. Measuring oxygen levels can also be done with a pulse oximeter. Oximetry is performed by attaching a clip to your finger that shines a light through it. A tiny computer in the oximeter then determines your oxygen level by the color of the light that shines through from the other side. Oximetry only measures one characteristic of the oxygen in your body and, since it is not as precise as an ABG, should only be used as a guide to oxygen therapy.
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