6 Signs of Lack of Oxygen in COPD Patients



Posted: Sunday, August 23, 2009

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http://oxygensmart.com

It is not easy to have to receive additional oxygen every day of your life, but for the many who do depend on supplemental oxygen it is a process that you have to come to terms with.

The first stage is perhaps the most difficult as it implies adjusting to a new way of life (as well as negation and resentment), but soon it becomes a habit and especially with the new designs in oxygen units (both oxygen tanks and oxygen concentrators); a habit that allows for a good quality of life.

There is a risk however that when the patient, or their caretaker, is on "automatic pilot" their concentration lapses and it could be that the oxygen supply is not as it should be. Once you get used to setting up your oxygen supply it becomes second nature (it would be exhausting otherwise), but here is when small mistakes can be made and the risk is a lack of oxygen. When you are not getting enough oxygen it's more than lightly you won't realize you are suffering from oxygen deficiency.

There are many instances of pilots suffering from oxygen deprivation who never knew it. An incorrect supply of oxygen will usually be caused by simple oversights (incorrect flow rate, a twist in the tube). If you have been prescribed with extra oxygen it is always a good idea to have a check list for setting up your equipment. You should also educate people around you about the lack of oxygen warning signals.

If you have someone near you that depends on oxygen the first thing is to develop your powers of observation with a view to the warning signs.The second is to be aware of certain tell tale signs of oxygen deprivation so we can react in a timely manner.

6 Signs of lack of Oxygen.

  1. An easily recognized physical sign is lips or fingernails with a bluish color.
  2. Slurry speech and slightly incoherent sentences.
  3. A lack of oxygen many times causes headaches.
  4. Another sign relates to having trouble staying awake and a general feeling of drowsiness..
  5. The act of breathing can in itself be a sign of lack of oxygen, for instance shallow or irregular breathing as well as breathlessness.
  6. Anxiousness.
If you notice any of these a quick check with a pulse oximeter will clearly let you know the level of oxygen saturation in the blood.

Pass the word, especially to those close to patients on supplemental oxygen. A timely reaction is always better. A patient suffering from lack of oxygen will most probably need someone to notice and react as needed.

Philip Robinson writes on various health related issues, where portable oxygen and oxygen therapy is one of his major projects. You will find important information on oxygen supply systems at http://oxygensmart.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Laura Trahan
 2 years 166 days ago.
123 fans.
Very useful information Philip! I cannot imagine having to live on oxygen let alone knowing all the facts and signs of trouble! Thanks for sharing!
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