Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an ongoing and progressive disease which causes difficulty in breathing due to poor air flow. Left untreated, this can become quite severe and dangerous, limiting the ability of the patient to breathe and sometimes causing coughs and the production of phlegm.

Cigarette smoke and other irritants can make the disease worse, causing inflammation of the lungs and airways. The more inflammation a COPD sufferer incurs, the harder it is for him or her to breathe properly. Fortunately, there are various methods of new copd treatment available today, one of which is the oxygen treatment for COPD.

Delivering Oxygen:

One of the major problems associated with the disease is its ability to increase the chances of heart failure due to low levels of oxygen in the system. For this reason and many others, the use of oxygen treatment for COPD can greatly increase a patient’s chances of survival and extend the length and enjoyment of life.

Some people are worried when they first consider the treatment that it will mean lengthy hospital stays, but oxygen can be used at home with the application of portable methods, which are not as constrictive as they used to be. It can be delivered by means of oxygen concentrators, liquid-oxygen, or oxygen gas cylinders.

Using Oxygen Long Term:

While there are certainly benefits to short term usage oxygen treatment for copd when breathing becomes difficult, most doctors who prescribe this treatment do so for the long term benefits. Usually this is when the treatment is delivered for 15 hours or more without removing the delivery system from the patient, so that oxygen levels stay at healthy levels ongoing.

The use of this treatment has shown successful results, not only in raising oxygen levels and reducing the chances of heart failure, but also in boosting memory and helping with some kidney issues which may have resulted from low oxygen levels

Risks and Rewards:

Unlike some medical treatments, the oxygen treatment used for COPD is fairly low risk and has few side effects. One negative aspect is that patients may not have any flame around the tank as it is highly flammable. Cigarettes, candles, and even fireplaces need to be avoided. This can mean making some life changes in order to continue treatment.

Short burst oxygen therapy is used differently from the long term therapy. It provides instant relief at home or in the hospital when shortness of breath occurs. Sometimes these treatments must be used when flying, or during other activities when oxygen is more difficult to obtain naturally.

Prescription Machines:

While your doctor can place you on a trial with a device from the hospital or clinic, obtaining your own may require a prescription. Your physician will assess the need for the treatment before referring you to a particular device. Whether you use short or long term therapy will also be up to your doctor, and will depend on the severity of your condition, as well as the current and ongoing oxygen count. Testing can help point you in the direction necessary to best treat your COPD.