Oxygen therapy for COPD is more than 60-70 years old. In this long period, a vast amount of knowledge has been gained of the advantages and dangers of the same. Newer ideas, experiments, and their evaluation is part of any scientific endeavor and oxygen therapy is the newest technique that aims at giving air enriched with oxygen to breath.
One type is exertion induced COPD. Oxygen enriched air is to be breathed in only during the exercise. This is seen to increase endurance and efficacy of exercise. This helps patients to maintain or even improve their physical fitness improving the COPD also. The real need of long-term oxygen therapy is for those suffering chronic oxygen deficiency in their blood. The condition is called chronic hypoxemia or hypoxia. Long-term oxygen treatment will improve the quality of life and also lifespan. One suffers less shortness of breath. It slows or even prevents Right Sided Heart Failure, which is the normal consequence of COPD.
Oxygen therapy for chronic COPD is resorted to after normal medical treatments for COPD have ceased to benefit the patient. There are different ways to introduce the oxygen. Oxygen concentrators, liquid oxygen devices and the more conventional oxygen cylinders can all be used to augment the oxygen into the air that is breathed.
However, people who use oxygen therapy at home should be well aware of the dangers of oxygen. Even air enriched to seemingly low levels of 28% can cause conflagrations of unbelievable intensity. Any fuel will spontaneously catch fire in air that is of this level of enrichment. Portable systems even suitable for air travel are also available.
Studies have shown that long term oxygen therapy (LTOT) improves one’s life quality as well as lifespan. Patients need to breath the enriched air for at least 15 hours a day with as less interruptions as possible, and preferably continuously. The oxygen level in the blood is to be maintained in a narrow band of 88% to 92% saturation (titrated flow) against normal levels of 94% to 98%. To overcome the dangers of hypoxemia, the best thing to do is to use the pulse oximetry set to titrate oxygen delivery to achieve 88-92% saturation, a venturi mask’ (or an air-entrainment mask) setting oxygen concentration to 25% to 28% concentration or in the absence of any of the above, a flow rate of oxygen by nasal prongs or catheter can be set 2 to 3 L/min.
Modern research has shown better efficacy of delivering bronchodilator with a flow rate of 6L/min in acute exacerbation of COPD. The medical personnel should monitor the patient for complications of hypoxemia like carbon dioxide retention.
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Folding mobility scooters- A round-up of the best features
Read moreIn the world of mobility and transport, there have been a number of products that have entered the market with a series of chairs and scooters that can be used by various kinds of people. Electronic scooters and power chairs are also well known in this field as one can gain back mobility in case there has been an injury or an accident. Come and have a look at the folding mobility scooters and why these have some of the best features for those looking at power chairs in this segment.
Portability: The unique design of this scooter ensures that it can be folded into a compact size. This helps in ferrying it around more easily so that one can use it in all kinds of areas even while on the go. This is especially helpful for those who are facing special challenges when it comes to mobility, as well as those who have suffered some sort of injury. Most of these scooters are built in such a way that they can get folded in three steps very easily and opened just as easily when one is ready to use them again.
Better mobility: With this kind of a folding chair, you can actually get mobility so that you can visit all those places where there are ramps for people using such scooters. You can easily stow and carry this piece so that it can be opened and used independently by the user.Independent use: The folding mobility scooters can be used by the user without any hassles and one does not need the support of anyone else to push it around. The various buttons and the adjustments can be handled from the arms and one slim console that helps in controlling the scatter very easily.
Lights: This scooter can also be used in dark places and at night, thanks to the fact that it has front and rear lights, which are quite powerful. This helps in lighting the way and the user also remains safe without stumbling over anything. The lights also ensure that one can see the scooter approach from afar, which makes it easy to spot and avert any kind of accident.
Seamless technology: The technology that is built into this electronic folding scooter makes it a convenient piece of gadgetry for transport. It can be charged electronically. It lasts up to 12.5 miles to 15 miles per charge, depending on the brand that you are using. The front end is well-defined with layers and bumpers, which helps in well-supported mobility and a sturdy balanced approach when one is moving around on it. This also gives it good balance on both ends. In addition, you can easily use lead batteries or even lithium batteries, depending on the power that has been specified by the manufacturer. Make sure that you check the power and seal of the batteries before using the same.
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Reasons why metal detection is such a popular hobby
Read moreMetal detection is a hugely popular hobby that has won the favor of numerous enthusiasts all around the world. You may wonder why metal detection is such an enthralling and exciting hobby that makes people go gaga over it. For a person who is consumed with the love for metal detection, answering what’s so exciting about it may be quite a task. Various people find different kinds of pleasures in it. Check out some of the reasons that make metal detection such a popular hobby.
Love of history
For some history buffs, the primary reason for embracing metal detection as a hobby may be the thrill of finding antiques and items that haven’t seen the light of the day for centuries. People interested in artifacts and archaeology may especially be inclined towards this activity. Many engage in it for their interest for ancient weapons that have sundry tales to tell.Love for collecting
Collecting sundry items is a popular hobby among several people. Some people may be able to satiate their love for coin collecting through metal detectors. Metal detection gives people the liberty to collect age old colonial coins and new age wheat pennies!Keeps you active
Believe it or not but metal detection is a great outdoor activity that keeps you alive and kicking. It is also a fantastic form of physical and mental exercise. Metal detecting keeps you going to new and far off sites and engages you in the most productive of ways.Financial gains
One of the most common reasons why some people are glued on and motivated to metal detection is for some extra bucks. Some people may delve into sites with the hope of finding valuable jewelry, gold coins or nuggets and sell their finds to earn some serious money! This may not always be the case. For most hobbyists, their finds are more meaningful to them than a few dollars.Adrenaline rush
Metal detection is quite an addictive and adventurous activity that gives hobbyists all the adrenaline rush a sport like mountain biking or rafting may provide. Hunting for antiques and bygone items in itself is an engaging and exciting pursuit. To top it up, finding and pulling out dirt laden rare and obscure artifacts is all the thrill you would ever want. What’s more, the activity gives you a reason to explore permitted public parks, beaches, woods and even your own private property!