Extra Oxygen For Smokers
Although the percentage of smokers is gradually going down, there are still many millions smoking daily and every day new smokers join these ranks - and one of the results of this is that many of them will end up with breathing problems.
An important percentage of these smokers, including ex-smokers, will eventual suffer from chronic pulmonary disease. COPD statistics show that 90% of diagnosed sufferers were smokers and that 20% of all smokers will end up having this illness. Even though the figures speak for themselves every day new smokers are born.
One of the effects of having these diseases is needing to receive extra oxygen - and many times this is a continuous, all day long, need.
Smokers have damaged do have damage in their lungs but when the do stop, at least it doesn’t get worse.
Oxygen therapy is being prescribed for most cases and the statistical results are that life expectancy is much greater. This allows patients not only to access the oxygen levels they need but also to maintain an active lifestyle. Both of these issues are vitally important. On the one hand all mammals, and this means us, need oxygen as the most basic survival requirement. On the other hand the need for an active lifestyle cannot be stressed enough. It is important not only for the psychological point of view where it provides at least a minimum of purpose, but also from the physical health aspect. Immobility is not a healthy option.
A couple of things more.
Prevention, as they say, is the best medicine. There is a general consensus that smoking is bad for you and so legislation has focused on this. (Whether it is concern for public health or concern for the cost of medication and treatment is another thing). In the meantime many millions of ex smokers, who are growing older will develop pulmonary diseases.
The second relates to activity and quality of life. Home-stationary oxygen delivery machines are available as are 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.
Long-term oxygen therapy is no longer limited to the clinic or to the home. Mobile and portable units are available, are also covered by insurance and even some portable oxygen concentrators are allowed on board planes, as authorized by the FAA.
Aside from these there is a whole range of accessories that are used - these include oximeters to measure oxygen blood saturation, cannulas (those hoses that deliver the oxygen to the nose or mouth) flow regulators.
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