Why we need Oxygen?

1. Your body cells use the oxygen you breathe, in order to make energy for all organs of your body. The oxygen is needed for brain, heart, all other body organs.
2. Unfortunately, the Oxygen can not be stored in the body and therefore a constant flow of oxygen is needed.

What is a Pulse Oximeter?

Pulse oximeter is a small device, which can be attached to your fingers or ear in order to obtain your blood oxygen level (SpO2). It’s a painless test and takes less than a minute to read your blood oxygen level.

What is a normal oxygen level on a Pulse Oximeter?

A normal reading is typically between 95 and 100 percent. The level of oxygen saturation of 95 to 100 percent is normal for healthy children and adults.

Does all patient with COVID19 infection needs Oxygen?

1. No, Not everyone with a low oxygen level will have difficulty breathing, so you must regularly monitor the oxygen levels of your COVID-19 patients.
2. Most of the patients do not need Additional oxygen therapy from outside but if the Blood oxygen levels goes below 92-93 % on pulse oximeter that we should consider Oxygen therapy.

Why oxygen is needed for Covid patients?

1. Oxygen is a crucial treatment for many patients with severe Covid-19, since the disease affects lung function, therefore the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the blood is affected. If there is lack of oxygen in the blood, patient become shortness of breath/ breathless.
2. In COVID19 infection the infection material (slimy/fluid type material) fills the lungs and therefore the process of oxygen transfer is affected.

When do Covid patients need oxygen?

In the mild and moderate stages of disease, normal oxygen supportive measures (facemask oxygen) may be advantageous. WHO recommends supplemental oxygen therapy immediately for patients with respiratory distress, hypoxemia (significant reduced Oxygen) or shock with a target SpO2 > 94%.

1. This usually depends on the level of oxygen in the blood. The lower the level the worst the signs. Warning signs of a low oxygen level include trouble breathing, confusion, difficulty waking up, and bluish lips or face. Adults may have continued chest pain that doesn’t improve.
2. Children may flare their nostrils, grunt while breathing, or be unable to drink or eat.Some COVID-19 patients may show no symptoms at all.

1. You should start oxygen therapy on any COVID-19 patient with an oxygen saturation below 90-92 percent, even if they show no physical signs of a low oxygen level.
2. In patients without physical warning signs, the goal of the therapy is to achieve an oxygen saturation of 90 percent.
3. You can discontinue the oxygen therapy when the patient’s saturation remains above 90% after the oxygen is turned off.
4. In patients with physical warning signs, the goal of the therapy is to achieve an oxygen saturation of 95 percent. If a patient’s oxygen levels do not improve with oxygen therapy, they will need more intensive treatment.

Oxygen therapy is safe for newborns, children, and adults – including pregnant women.

1. All patients requiring Oxygen should be in hospital/medical care.
2. To give oxygen therapy, you will gently place tubes into the patient’s nostrils to connect them to an oxygen source. These tubes are called nasal cannula. The tubes are very small so it won’t hurt the patient when you place the nasal cannula.
3. While giving oxygen therapy, monitor the patient’s oxygen levels with the pulse oximeter.

Introduction

1. Remember Oxygen is not the only therapy for COVID19 infection. It is used in ADDITION to other recommended treatment by your local doctor/hospital
2. Ideally patients requiring Oxygen in COVID19 infection should be admitted to hospital BUT if there are no beds available or Treatment can not be provided then we recommend following steps should be followed:
3. Similarly, home oxygenation can be used for discharge patients from hospital.

Do I need Home Oxygen?

1. Your physician needs to prescribe Oxygen for you.
2. It can be given in various medical conditions including severe COVID19 infection and other chronic conditions.

How Much Will I Need?

1. Your physician needs to prescribe Oxygen for you.
2. Doctor will figure out how much extra oxygen you need after patient assessment.
3. The usual recommendations are as follows:
1. A Nasal Canula is used to deliver oxygen to the nose
2. Start with 1 liter/minute, which can be increased up to 3-4 liters/minute
3. The target Oxygen saturation is usually above 90-92 %.
4. Do not over use oxygen. There is no need to increase oxygen delivery to the nose once above saturation is achieved.
5. Do not over use oxygen. There is no need to increase oxygen delivery to the nose once above saturation is achieved.
6. Oxygen can be given as required from few hours per day to continuous (depends on patient requirement)

1. Oxygen is very highly flammable gas; therefore, we must be very careful.
2. Never smoke, and don’t let others smoke near you. Keep away from open flames, such as matches, cigarette lighters.
3. Stay 5 feet away from heat sources. That includes gas stoves, candles, lighted fireplaces, and electric or gas heaters.
4. Don’t use flammable products like cleaning fluid, paint thinner, and aerosol sprays.
5. Don’t use flammable products like cleaning fluid, paint thinner, and aerosol sprays.
6. Skip products with oil, grease, or petroleum. That also goes for petroleum-based creams and ointments like Vaseline on your face or upper chest
7. Have a fire extinguisher close by. Let your fire department know that you have oxygen in your home.
8. Tell your electric company if you use an oxygen concentrator so you get priority service in case of a power failure.
9. Keep children away from the Oxygen.