Oxygen treatment, home
Oxygen cylinders
If you only needoxygen for short periods to relieve attacks of breathlessness after an illness, you'll probably be prescribed oxygen cylinders. However, this should be regularly reviewed so that the short-term relief doesn't hide more serious underlying heart or lung conditions. If your review shows that your blood oxygen levels are normal, short-term oxygen should be withdrawn.
Youbreathe the oxygen through a face mask or through a soft tube inserted into your nose (nasal cannula). Youcan talk, eat and drinkwhile using a nasal cannula.
Cylinders containing oxygen compressed into liquid form can contain more oxygen than standard cylinders.This type of oxygensupply will last longer and the tank may also be lighter.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out what home oxygen treatment is, when it's needed and the different methods used to deliver it.
How oxygen treatment is given
Oxygen treatment can be given in a number of ways including through a: tube positioned under the nose (nasal cannula) face mask placed over the nose and mouth tube placed into the mouth and d
How home oxygen treatment can help
If you have a health conditionthat causes low levels of oxygen in your blood (hypoxia), you may feel breathless and tired, particularly after walking or coughing. Fluid may also build up around your a
Oxygen treatment assessment
If you have a long-term medical condition and your doctor thinks oxygen treatment might be helpful, you'll be asked to visit your nearest oxygen clinic for an assessment. During the assessment it's l
Oxygen cylinders
If you only needoxygen for short periods to relieve attacks of breathlessness after an illness, you'll probably be prescribed oxygen cylinders. However, this should be regularly reviewed so that the s
Oxygen concentrator machine
An oxygen concentrator machine is suitable if youwould benefit from having oxygen for many hours a day, including while you're asleep.It ensures you have a source of oxygen that never runs out. An ox
Portable (ambulatory) oxygen
Talk toyour specialist if youd like a small, portable cylinder so you can take oxygen outside your home. Youll need to be fully assessed to see whether portable oxygen (also known as ambulatory oxygen
Going on holiday
If you're going on holiday in England or Wales, talk to your supplier to see whether you can make arrangements to have home oxygen supplied to you at your destination. Try to give them as much notice
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