Medical Benefits of Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen has been used in hospitals for years to aid a patient's recovery. However whether Oxygen Therapy can actually cure a person of a condition continues to be debated by respected medical professionals.Mild concentrations are said to help: * Increase energy levels * Aid restful sleep * Detox * Digestion * Relieve headaches * Nausea * Hangovers * Enable muscle recovery * Boost the immune system * Increase clarity * Contribute to an overall feeling of wellness Stronger concentrations are used in Hyperbaric therapy. This type of oxygen therapy is used in the NHS and by other licensed professionals. Conditions include: * Certain non-healing wounds (post-surgical or diabetic) * Radiation soft tissue necrosis and radiation osteonecrosis * Necrotizing fasciitis (flesh eating bacteria) * Carbon monoxide poisoning * Decompression sickness * Severe infection by anaerobic bacteria (such as gas gangrene) * Air or gas embolism * Severe uncorrected anaemia * Chronic refractory Osteomyelitis * Enhancement of healing in problem wounds * Sports injuriesThe main debate focuses on the more serious illnesses that Oxygen Therapy is said to help treat such as Cancer. Currently there is no medical evidence to prove that the use of Oxygen Therapy helps to cure Cancer.Medical Oxygen vs Recreational OxygenThe negative side of the oxygen debate is fuelled not in the least by the unproven claims that Oxygen cures Cancer but also by the use of Oxygen as a recreational 'drug' in bars, and nightclubs and private parties. There is a big difference between medical oxygen and recreational oxygen in that medical oxygen is concentrated to levels that must be monitored by a qualified medical professional. Using oxygen for medical purposes also requires a prescription and a licence to dispense it. The levels of oxygen in Oxygen bars can help with the milder complaints listed above at the most and at the very least provides a pleasant aroma (as an alternative to inhaling cigarette smoke!)Any dangers of using Oxygen?Too much oxygen can be harmful but this is not achieved easily. Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity occurs when a person is exposed to high oxygen levels for over 16 hours in pressures of 0.5 bar or more. Those with potential for exposure to higher levels would be deep sea divers and patients under prescription (consider that anyone administering Oxygen at these levels would be trained and licensed.About Oxygen Therapy EquipmentOxygen Concentrators: An oxygen concentrator is used for delivering higher than normal amounts of oxygen to the patient. Roughly depending on the model of oxygen concentrator you buy and how the oxygen is delivered you can achieve a 50-90 rate of delivered oxygen to the patient. You can buy battery powered portable oxygen concentrators which are recommended for more vulnerable patients who are traveling. These do cost more than what a non portable oxygen concentrator would cost.Oxygen Meters: You can use an oxygen meter to measure the amount of oxygen within the blood with a simple device which connects to the patients finger tip. This process only takes a few minutes, and allows you to move from patient to patient quickly. Taking a reading from a patient is often referred to as pulse oxymetry.Oxygen Medical Spares: It is important to keep your oxygen equipment maintained for health and safety reasons. You need to regularly change filters and hoses to ensure there are no blockages which could damage your equipment. Oxygen masks and nose canulas need to be replaced on a regular basis for hygiene reasons. You should regularly service your equipment to ensure that your oxygen equipment is working to optimal performance.If you have a condition related to or affected by the use of oxygen you should consult with a doctor prior to using oxygen or any oxygen therapy equipment

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