Oxygen Therapy 101: What You Need to Know for Better Breathing

Although a few living things, including certain bacteria and microorganisms, do not require oxygen to sustain life, most do. For us humans, oxygen is essential.

With every breath you take

 Breathing is more than just a simple inhalation and exhalation process; it provides the oxygen needed to convert the nutrients from food into energy. It’s why when lung health and getting sufficient oxygen are compromised, it’s vital to get skilled, experienced care. In all cases, we encourage you to contact the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates for an expert evaluation and care. 

As everyone knows, we get oxygen from the air we breathe. But you may not know that the air we breathe is a mixture of gases, with nitrogen accounting for 78%, oxygen 21%, and a small percentage of other gases, including argon, carbon, and water vapor making up the rest. This 21% oxygen is sufficient for most people to support healthy lung function and maintain the body. However, certain respiratory conditions can disrupt this balance, leading to hypoxemia, characterized by abnormally low levels of oxygen in the blood. In these cases, individuals may experience shortness of breath and fatigue and possibly exhibit a telltale bluish tint to the skin, among other symptoms.

Breathing easier with oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy can be life-changing for patients with various lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, or sleep apnea that make it difficult for patients to extract the necessary amount of oxygen from each breath. 

Oxygen therapy works by delivering pure oxygen directly to the lungs— allowing for more efficient gas exchange and better oxygenation of the blood. It enhances cellular function to provide the energy required for vital processes and activities. Although it’s not a cure, oxygen therapy is a critical support system that makes breathing easier to sustain life and improve its quality.

Remember, the primary goal is to increase the amount of oxygen available for the body to use, thereby improving lung function and overall health. Oxygen therapy helps reduce breathlessness, increase energy levels, and can even enhance the quality of sleep—especially in those with sleep apnea or other breathing disorders that disrupt normal sleep patterns.

Beyond enhancing physical functioning, another notable benefit is the potential increase in longevity. Studies have shown that patients who receive appropriate oxygen therapy tend to live longer than those who do not. This is because adequate oxygen levels are crucial for the proper functioning of all bodily systems, including the heart and brain.

It’s also worth noting that besides addressing the physiological aspects of respiratory conditions, oxygen therapy can also help address the psychological ones and contribute to an improved state of mind. Many patients report feeling more alert and experiencing fewer mood swings when their oxygen levels are adequately maintained. 

We provide skilled, experienced care tailored to individual needs

We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to care and meticulously consider and discuss with every patient the most suitable and effective approach to address their respiratory issue. 

Each type of oxygen therapy has its advantages. Nasal cannulas offer a non-invasive option that allows patients to maintain a degree of normalcy in their daily activities. Portable concentrators provide the freedom to engage in outdoor activities and maintain an active lifestyle, while home systems ensure a consistent supply of oxygen for those who spend most of their time indoors.

As your trusted partner in care, the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates maintains a position at the forefront of advances in assessing, treating, and managing respiratory health. We tailor treatment to address individual needs and provide comprehensive care to help our patients breathe easier and live healthier lives.