Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a disease that can worsen over time and often causes fatigue and shortness of breath. As the disease becomes worse, the patient’s need for supplemental oxygen will increase.
If your oxygen level is 88 percent or below, your doctor may recommend supplemental oxygen.
Supplemental Oxygen Phases for ILD
- Oxygen is needed with activity, but not at rest
- Oxygen is needed 24-hours-a-day, with activity, at rest, and during sleep
- Needing high-flow oxygen or when a lightweight, portable delivery system is no longer enough
Increasing the oxygen level in the bloodstream can help relieve strain on the heart and lungs. It also can improve symptoms. Studies have shown that long-term oxygen therapy has improved quality and length of life for many adults with chronic lung disease, including interstitial lung disease.
When supplemental oxygen is necessary, your doctor will write a prescription. The prescription will include how much oxygen to use and when to use it. Your doctor can help you understand when to use oxygen and how much to use during sleep, rest, and activity, or at altitude. A durable medical equipment company (DME) supplies the oxygen.
Types of Supplemental Oxygen
There are three types of oxygen systems, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Determining the right oxygen system for you may depend on your lifestyle or oxygen need.
Concentrators
These systems are one of the most common because they are convenient for both the patient and oxygen supply company. Stationary concentrators plug into an electrical outlet and make oxygen from the room’s air. These systems can add to your monthly electricity costs and may be noisy. You will receive a backup system in case of power outages. Portable oxygen concentrators (POC) draw in oxygen with a battery, electricity, or DC power. They are smaller and lighter than stationary concentrators.
Compressed Gas Systems
These are steel or aluminum cylinder tanks that contain oxygen gas. They are readily available across the country and come in several sizes.
Liquid Systems
These systems consist of a large stationary container and a portable unit with a small, lightweight tank. You can refill the portable unit from the stationary unit. The durable medical equipment company will visit at least monthly to refill the stationary unit.
Supplemental Oxygen Delivery
Oxygen is commonly delivered from the device by a small plastic tube called a cannula. The cannula is placed in the nostrils and provides oxygen to the airways. Some devices use a face mask to deliver oxygen.
Oxygen conserving devices make tanks last longer, and your health care provider may consider one of these devices for you. However, conserving devices do not work for every person on supplemental oxygen. Testing will be required to confirm which device will work for you.
Changing Oxygen Needs
Your oxygen needs may change over time as your ILD worsens. The type of system you may change. The company that supplies your oxygen should explain and demonstrate how to use the system you have been given.
Common Oxygen Concerns
When first starting using supplemental oxygen, you may be concerned about how it will change your lifestyle, how oxygen affects your body, and whether this therapy is safe. You may worry that oxygen treatment will prevent you from leaving your home.
When used as prescribed, supplemental oxygen is very safe and does not cause any harm to your lungs. Oxygen can be made portable, so you can maintain your lifestyle. Patients on oxygen are often still able to travel. In fact, oxygen therapy allows you to be more active by providing the oxygen your body needs and may ease fatigue and shortness of breath.
The only safety concern is that oxygen is flammable, so it’s important to keep your face and oxygen equipment away from flames.
Supplemental Oxygen Resources
Your doctor, oxygen supply company, and local American Lung Association chapter can provide more information about any concerns you may have about supplemental oxygen therapy.
National Jewish Health has a variety of resources available to help people with chronic lung conditions, including interstitial lung disease.