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Oxygen and Smokers

10th August, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

A large proportion of the population is still smoking, and even if the percentages are lower than they were 50 years ago, this means that down the line a few years or decades away, many if not all of these will develop breathing problems.

These breathing problems can end up turning into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with all the limitations this entails. Around 20% of all smokers end up with ” COPD” and over 90% of COPD sufferers were smokers. When you translate these percentages into real figures the results number in the millions – and yet there are new smokers all the time.

For most people this will mean a lot of suffering, reduced activities, general weakness and the need for a continuous use of additional oxygen and the lungs can no longer absorb the required amount (no oxygen – no life).

Smokers have damaged do have damage in their lungs but when the do stop, at least it doesn’t get worse.

Oxygen is recognized as a very effective therapy (prevention is the best). With this oxygen therapy, patients are getting the necessary oxygen and are then able to continue with many normal activities. We all need oxygen to stay alive and being alive is more than just surviving. As the additional oxygen is received, together with more modern and practical ways of delivering, it many patients can lead active lifestyles – and this means less psychological limitations which after all does have a lot to do with quality of life.

A couple of things more.

One point is that not smoking is the best option. Over the last few years there has developed a much greater awareness of the dangers of smoking and so more and more people are stopping. The figures for new smokers are not so optimistic, but at least the overall scenario is more positive. Over the next few decades the numbers of people who develop lung illness as a direct result of smoking will increase (think of baby boomers growing older).

The second relates to activity and quality of life. Home-stationary oxygen delivery machines are available as are portable oxygen tanks, cylinders and concentrators. These are also been constantly upgraded, bettered and even redesigned all of which will provide greater levels of activity and mobility.

It used to be that a patient that needed oxygen full time would be stuck to a clinic. If extra oxygen had to be given on a partial basis (not 24/7), then continuous visits had to be made. Now patients can get home oxygen systems as well as portable ones. This has made a great difference from all points of view – work, social activities and travel, both short distances and even flights. As a point of fact, the FAA has authorized certain oxygen concentrators on board flights.

Various devices such as pulse of oximeters, that measure oxygen saturation, and oxygen flow regulators are part of standard equipment that long-term oxygen patients are using – and as a result they are increasing their potential levels of activity.