Oxygen Therapy

We provide equipment for the treatment of hypoxemia and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Hypoxemia
Hypoxemia is a condition characterized by a low level of oxygen in the blood.

Your body needs a constant supply of oxygen to function normally. When this supply is reduced or interrupted, you can develop hypoxemia, a low level of oxygen in your blood. Hypoxemia can disrupt your body's functioning and harm vital tissues. In severe cases, it's life-threatening.

The main symptom of hypoxemia is shortness of breath, but depending on how quickly hypoxemia develops, you may experience a reduced capacity for exercise, fatigue and confusion.

Blood oxygen is measured by an arterial blood test or by an oximeter, a small device that's clipped onto your finger. Normal blood oxygen readings range from 95 to 100 percent at sea level. Values under 90 are considered low. Severe hypoxemia occurs when oxygen saturation drops below 80 percent.

Hypoxemia often leads to hypoxia, which is a decrease of oxygen to the tissues of the body. The causes of hypoxemia vary, and may include heart and lung problems, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, anemia, pneumonia and emphysema.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it increasingly difficult for you to breathe.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions that make up COPD, but COPD can also refer to damage caused by chronic asthmatic bronchitis. In all cases, damage to your airways eventually interferes with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your lungs. COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms.

COPD is a leading cause of death and illness worldwide. Most COPD is caused by long-term smoking and can be prevented by not smoking or quitting soon after you start. Damage to your lungs can't be reversed, so treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and minimizing further damage.

Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust, also may contribute to COPD. 307-632-4147