Using oxygen at home - what to ask your doctor Definition Because of problems with your lungs or heart, you will need to use oxygen in your home .
Below are questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you use your oxygen.
Alternative Names Oxygen - what to ask your doctor; What to ask your doctor about home oxygen; Hypoxia - oxygen at home
Questions When should I use my oxygen?
All the time?
Only when I am walking?
Only when I am short of breath?
How about when I am sleeping? Is it OK for me to change how much oxygen is flowing out of the tank or oxygen concentrator?
What should I do if I feel more short of breath?
Can my oxygen run out? How can I tell if the oxygen is running out?
What do I do if the oxygen is not working? Whom should I call for help?
Do I need to have a backup oxygen tank at home? How about when I am out?
What symptoms tell me that I am not getting enough oxygen? Will I be able to take my oxygen with me when I go somewhere? How long will the oxygen last when I leave my home?
Do I need a longer oxygen tubing if I have a big house?
Do I need to worry about the electricity going off?
What should I do if that happens?
How do I prepare for an emergency?
How can I arrange to be able to get help quickly?
What phone numbers do I need to keep handy? What can I do if my lips, mouth, or nose become dry? Is it safe to use petroleum jelly (Vaseline)?
How do I stay safe when I have oxygen in my home?
Do I need smoke detectors? Fire extinguishers?
Can anybody smoke in the room where I have oxygen? How about in my house? What should I do in a restaurant or bar?
Can my oxygen be in the same room as a fireplace or wood stove? How about a gas stove?
How far does my oxygen need to be away from electrical equipment? How about electric toothbrushes? Electric toys?
Where can I store my oxygen? Do I need to worry about how hot or cold it is? What do I do about getting oxygen when I travel on an airplane ?
Can I bring my own oxygen or will my airline provide some? Do I need to call them ahead of time?
Will my airline provide oxygen for me when I am in the airport? Or only when I am on the airplane?
How can I get more oxygen when I am in places other than my hometown? References American Lung Association website. Oxygen therapy. www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy . Updated November 17, 2022. Accessed February 28, 2023.
COPD Foundation website. Oxygen therapy. www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Person-with-COPD/Oxygen-Therapy.aspx . Reviewed March 3, 2020. Accessed February 28, 2023.
Review Date:
1/22/2023
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