Oxygen Therapy: Understanding Why You Were Prescribed Oxygen

Most people who are prescribed oxygen have known bronchial issues. Although a prescription of supplemental oxygen is not a shock, the idea of oxygen therapy can be a little unnerving. It’s understandable to be slightly nervous, while some people even feel ashamed. Our idea is that someone who walks around with supplemental oxygen is very sick. However, those ideas are wrong.

Oxygen concentrator sellers have to deal with the stereotypes too, which is why we’re here to educate everyone we can! Some relatively healthy people need supplemental oxygen, and it helps. Oxygen therapy might be temporary or long term, which you can discuss further with your doctor.

Remember, there is nothing to be afraid of! Oxygen therapy is becoming more and more common because it works.

Why You Need A Prescription for Oxygen

• Oxygen prescriptions are required to purchase oxygen concentrators.
• There are some people who believe they need supplemental oxygen who do not.
• Oxygen therapy should only be given to those who need it, and a doctor should be the only person to make that determination.

Some people may believe they need oxygen and are not given a prescription when they visit the doctor. Shortness of breath does not necessarily mean you need an oxygen concentrator. A doctor has to evaluate a number of factors before prescribing O2.

Who Needs Oxygen Therapy?

• People with low blog oxygen.

You may be breathing fine and wondering why you were prescribed an oxygen concentrator. It may have something to do with how much oxygen is getting into your blood.

• People who suffer from acute diseases and conditions.

Sometimes an oxygen concentrator need to be used for a period of time during an acute illness. Pneumonia and severe asthma attacks are some of the reasons you might be prescribed oxygen.

Usually, when you recover from these illnesses, you are no longer required to use supplemental oxygen.

• People suffer from chronic diseases and conditions.

People who suffer from COPD or sleep apnea might have to continue to keep an oxygen concentrator with them at all times to maintain their health.

Understand Your Prescription

Your oxygen prescription will include:

• Duration of oxygen use
• The required flow
• The defined delivery device (mask or cannula)
• The defined delivery source (oxygen concentrator or tank)
• Documentation and medical guidelines
• A prescription to present to your oxygen provider

Once you have a prescription, be sure to shop around. There are plenty of insurance options available and those options can decrease the financial burden.