Oxygen Safety
and Resources
Oxygen Safety and Resources
Breathe Pennsylvania provides Oxygen Safety education with the goal of educating Oxygen users and improving safety and quality of life.
If you would like more information concerning Oxygen Safety, or if you are a physician or an employee and would like more information about our programs, please call us at 724-772-1750 or visit our Contact page.
What Is Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy provides supplemental (additional) oxygen. It is prescribed to people with lung disease or heart disease and low oxygen levels on room air. When your baseline oxygen levels are low, insufficient oxygen is delivered to your cells, causing symptoms and damage to your organs over time. Oxygen therapy helps you breathe better and live more actively.
Who Needs Oxygen Therapy?
Patients with lung or heart disease and low oxygen levels on room air. Your healthcare provider will determine if you require oxygen and the proper amount.
What Are Possible Signs Of Low Oxygen Levels?
- Shortness of breath with minor activity
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Rapid or fast breathing
- Lips or extremities blue in color
- Fast heart rate with little activity
- Extreme Fatigue
- Confusion
What Are Some Common Types Of Oxygen?
The type of oxygen that is right for you is based on your oxygen needs, lifestyle, and insurance coverage.
- Home Oxygen Concentrator: takes in normal air and removes other gases to deliver oxygen. It typically operates on electricity and requires a power source. You will need a backup source of oxygen in case the power goes out.
- Portable Oxygen Concentrator: designed to be lightweight and compact, making it easier for individuals to carry. You can plug some concentrators into your car, or they may run on batteries. They do not require constant filling.
- Liquid Oxygen Tank: the liquid form of extremely cold and highly concentrated oxygen that converts to a gas before you breathe it in.
- Compressed Oxygen Gas Tank: oxygen is stored within a metal tank or cylinder. The size of the tank determines how much oxygen is in it.
How Long Will I Have To Use Oxygen Therapy At Home?
Some people with an acute condition such as pneumonia may only be prescribed oxygen for a limited period. Others with chronic conditions may require long-term oxygen therapy. Discuss your specific medical condition with your healthcare provider.
Is There Anything I Should Avoid While Wearing Oxygen?
- Smoking
- Fires
- Cooking with Gas
- Flammable creams and lotions, such as petroleum jelly, oil-based lotion, and vapor rubs
- Aerosols such as hair spray and air fresheners
How Can We Help You?
Breathe Pennsylvania offers a variety of community-based education and prevention programs to residents of southwestern Pennsylvania. In addition to providing answers to your breathing related questions we provide monthly advice on the latest research and treatments that could help improve your breathing. You should expect to hear from a team member within 48 hours.