Oxygen Therapy: What Does It Help With?

Oxygen Therapy is a straightforward procedure involving the administration of oxygen-enriched air. Its main goal is to better oxygenate the body, which is crucial for protecting cells from oxygen deprivation.

This therapy supports the proper functioning of key organs such as the brain and heart, significantly improving their efficiency. It is an effective form of treatment used in acute conditions as well as in chronic diseases. Thanks to it, patients experience a considerable improvement in the quality of life.

Oxygen therapy works on the body in a multifaceted way, bringing numerous benefits to patients:

• increases the oxygen concentration in the blood, enhancing hemoglobin oxygen saturation,
• improves the functioning of all cells and tissues, effectively protecting them from hypoxia,
• activates fibroblasts, responsible for collagen and elastin production, promoting intensive tissue regeneration,
• stimulates defense cells, thus strengthening the entire immune system,
• stimulates serotonin production, acting as an antidepressant and overall relaxing agent.

Oxygen therapy supports the body, effectively combating numerous diseases. It is particularly helpful in respiratory problems such as:

• COPD,
• asthma,
• cystic fibrosis,
• pneumonia,
• respiratory failure,
• post-COVID-19 condition.

Oxygen therapy also has a beneficial impact on the heart and circulatory system, providing support for:

• heart failure,
• post-heart attack condition,
• hypertension,
• atherosclerosis,
• heart problems.

Oxygen therapy also supports the brain and nervous system, assisting in neurological diseases such as:

• post-stroke condition,
• Alzheimer's disease,
• Parkinson's disease,
• multiple sclerosis,
• autism,
• ADHD,
• migraines.

Oxygen accelerates wound healing, including difficult-to-heal wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. It aids in the treatment of burns and helps fight psoriasis.

Oxygen therapy is also used in many other conditions, such as:

• Lyme disease,
• obesity,
• diabetes,
• anemia,
• depression,
• rehabilitation after injuries and sports injuries.

Oxygen therapy supports health and improves the body's condition. This method enhances physical endurance and mental agility, providing a boost of energy. Active oxygen offers numerous benefits:

• increases physical endurance,
• boosts mental agility,
• supports recovery after physical exertion or injuries,
• speeds up wound healing,
• strengthens immunity,
• aids in detoxification and heavy metal elimination,
• improves sleep quality.

Regular oxygen sessions slow down the aging process and improve skin appearance. They support cognitive functions, including memory and concentration, making them valuable for athletes and individuals engaged in mental work.

Oxygen therapy is an effective method of preventive healthcare, promoting long, healthy, and comfortable life while ensuring well-being.

Regular oxygen therapy provides patients with oxygen-enriched air, but hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a more advanced and non-invasive form of oxygen delivery. During the session, the patient breathes almost pure oxygen in a special chamber where there is increased pressure. This allows the oxygen to dissolve in the blood plasma much more effectively, reaching even poorly perfused tissues, which is crucial for the healing process.

HBOT sessions are extremely effective in many cases. They support the healing of difficult-to-heal wounds, help in combating carbon monoxide poisoning, and assist the body in fighting bacterial infections. Furthermore, oxygen hyperbaria stimulates the production of stem cells, significantly accelerating the body's regeneration, particularly important after neurological injuries.

There are two main methods of oxygen delivery: passive and active. The choice between them depends on the patient's condition and their ability to breathe independently.

Passive oxygen therapy involves simple inhalation of oxygen by a person who is breathing on their own. This gas, coming from concentrators or cylinders, is delivered using oxygen masks or nasal cannulas, commonly referred to as nasal prongs. It is extremely important to use a humidifier, which prevents drying of the respiratory tract, thereby increasing the patient's comfort.

On the other hand, active oxygen therapy is used when the patient is unable to breathe independently and requires mechanical support. An example of this form of therapy is the use of a ventilator, which actively pushes air into the lungs. During the therapy, constant monitoring of the patient's vital signs is crucial, such as blood oxygen saturation (using a pulse oximeter) and blood pressure.

Oxygen therapy, although highly effective, always requires great caution due to contraindications and potential side effects. An absolute contraindication for its use is untreated pneumothorax. Additionally, it should be avoided in patients taking certain medications, such as bleomycin or doxorubicin, as they can significantly increase the risk of serious complications. The toxic effects of oxygen usually manifest when it is administered at too high a concentration or for too long. Possible side effects of oxygen therapy include:

• ear pain,
• throat irritation,
• frequent chest pains,
• pulmonary edema,
• damage to the central nervous system,
• retinopathy in premature infants.

Before starting oxygen therapy, strict medical qualification is always necessary. Continuous medical supervision of the therapy is also important. Only in this way can patient safety be ensured and all risks associated with the therapy effectively minimized.