If you are ill with a chronic lung disease, you have likely experienced hypoxemia or hypoxia or both, these conditions limit the amount of oxygen your body is able to generate and so it greatly impacts your health. Breathlessness, fatigue, and insomnia are three of the prime symptoms associated with hypoxemia and hypoxia but all of the symptoms can be mitigated and managed with the help of supplemental oxygen therapy.

Not everyone who experiences hypoxia or hypoxia requires supplemental oxygen there are a series of tests that will inform your doctor of the serenity of your condition, and whether or not you require oxygen in order to treat your disease. 

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Everyone is different and everyone's disease can impact their health in different ways, therefore as a respiratory patient it is important to understand your disease to the best of your ability so you are able to treat it to the best of your ability. 

While reading this article, bear in mind that everyone is different, and some things in this blog may apply to you while other aspects of your disease do not. Talk with you pulmonary health specialist, whether that is your doctor or pulmonary rehabilitation health care team to understand your disease better. 

In this blog we are focusing on the contrast between hypoxia and hypoxemia and how these conditions can be treated with the help of oxygen therapy. 

Oxygen therapy 

There are many ways people utilize oxygen therapy. LPT Medical highly recommends some kind of portable oxygen concentrator for oxygen patients who are medically qualified for one. These devices are lightweight and run on batteries, meaning you can bring them anywhere (even on an airplane) and they will never have to be refilled. 

If you are interested in the oxygen devices LPT Medical offers, call 1(800)-946-1201 to speak with a respiratory specialist. They will ask you a series of questions about your health and lifestyle in order to narrow down your options to buy a portable oxygen concentrator.

You can also take a look at these 3 other blogs that go into detail about some of LPT Medical’s best selling portable oxygen concentrators. 

Comparing the Three Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators of 2021

7 Reasons to Replace Your Liquid Oxygen Tank with a Caire FreeStyle Comfort

Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators and You: A Match Made in Breathlessness

Having an oxygen device that you enjoy using makes life so much easier, and spending the money upfront actually saves you money in the long run, so portable oxygen concentrators are the way to go if you are on a budget. 

COPD Treatments

COPD treatment consists of lifestyle changes, medication, and oxygen therapy if needed. Not every COPD patient needs long term oxygen therapy (LTOT), but if you and your doctor decide it is time to take that course of action, LTOT is a beneficial treatment that can enhance the quality of life and even add years to your life. 

Hypoxemia vs. Hypoxia 

Hypoxemia and hypoxia do not always coexist. 

Hypoxemia

Typically, patients with hypoxemia have blood oxygen levels at or lower than 92% which is a decrease in partial pressure of oxygen blood vessels, oxygen therapy is typically a go to treatment for hypoxemia. 

Many people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have hypoxemia. If you do, supplemental oxygen treatment can improve your well-being; alternatively, in some, this can lead to hypercapnia, which is the adverse effect of elevating the carbon dioxide content in the blood to toxic levels. 

This is why it is important to only take oxygen when directed to by your doctor. Too much oxygen or taking supplemental oxygen when you do not need it is toxic for your system.

The adverse effect of oxygen on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is to cause increased carbon dioxide retention.

Carbon dioxide retention can look like: 

• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• In severe cases lack of respiration, which may lead to death 

Hypoxia

Hypoxia means you have reduced levels of tissue oxygenation. Hypoxia can be attributed to a defective delivery of oxygen or your tissues are defective in utilizing oxygen, either way this condition will affect individuals differently based on the condition’s cause and severity. 

Generally, symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• increased heart rate
• Headache
• bluish color in the skin, lips, or fingernails (called cyanosis)

Severe cases might even cause:

• Fainting
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• Temporary memory loss
• Difficulty moving 
• Coma 

Chronic or less severe cases of hypoxia can cause general fatigue and shortness of breath, especially after physical activity.

Causes of hypoxia could be Asthma attacks and lung diseases. Both of these conditions restrict your oxygen supply thereby causing hypoxia directly.

Heart diseases can also impair your cardiac output, and decrease the blood flow to and from your organs, this is ineffective oxygen transport that causes hypoxia.

Since coronavirus (COVID-19) has emerged, this sickness has also been known to cause hypoxia. 

Many people experience hypoxia when there is low oxygen concentration in the surrounding air for example at high altitudes. This is especially true for individuals with pre-existing risk factors like COPD or asthma.

Testing for Low Oxygen Levels

To test for Hypoxemia and Hypoxia, doctors will first give you a physical exam to evaluate your heart and lungs. If they recognize signs of hypoxia or hypoxemia, they can confirm these signs with other tests.

If they see signs, they will try tests like pulse oximetry which is a non-invasive test used for measuring oxygen saturation or the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in your blood. 

You can also use a pulse oximeter monitor in your everyday management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to check up on your pulmonary function, or how well your lungs are working. 

An arterial blood gas test is a blood sample test used to measure the partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and blood pH levels within your blood. This means the test is looking at the levels of oxygen in your blood, and whether or not they are healthy. 

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After all of this, your doctor may order other tests like an MRI, CT scan, echocardiogram, or electroencephalogram (EEG) in order to ensure your diagnosis, and to understand its severity. These tests will also determine the course of action your doctor will recommend you to take and any prescription medication ro oxygen therapy you may need.  

Once you have been tested and it is confirmed that you are experiencing Hypoxemia and Hypoxia, either due to a chronic condition or an environmental aliment, you may require the utilization of oxygen therapy. If you have a chronic illness, you may need long term oxygen therapy.

How Does Supplemental Oxygen Help Hypoxemia and Hypoxia 

Supplemental oxygen therapy improves your lungs and oragn’s ability to function, thereby reducing your symptoms, improving your well being, and even adding years to your life. 

Supplemental oxygen therapy can help treat hypomania and hypoxia in many ways… 

Treating Shortness of Breath 

First and foremost, oxygen therapy helps you to be less short of breath, breathlessness is one of the most prevalent symptoms of lung disease, and one of the most notably uncomfortable symptoms. Relieving breathlessness can open up a lot of doors for oxygen patients to become more active and to have more energy. 

Everyday activities become easier, and with the help of a lightweight portable oxygen device you can find the will to exercise which is very important to do if you have a respiratory illness. 

Treating Fatigue 

With the help of oxygen therapy, you will feel less fatigued because oxygen will be circulating your bloodstream and rejuvenating your organs. Once your oxygen levels are back to a normal rate, your mind and body will both feel more energized. 

Treating Insomnia

People with lung disease often have a hard time sleeping. This is because of the lack of oxygen your body is receiving from your lungs with every breath if you have hypoxemia or hypoxia. 

Everyone for the most part, has trouble sleeping if there is a lack of oxygen, for example,  people will have trouble sleeping at higher altitudes, where there is less oxygen in the air to begin with. When you spend the night at higher altitudes than you are accustomed to, for instance in Denver, Colorado, every lungful of air you take provides fewer oxygen molecules to your body.

Lack of oxygen for long periods of time can induce insomnia, so visiting high altitude areas, or having a lung disease that impairs your bodies ability to process and use oxygen increases the risk of experiencing headaches, fatigue, digestive issues and nausea.

The lack of oxygen initiates unstable breathing patterns while you sleep, so your body works overtime to try and restore normal oxygen levels. Rather than sleeping through the night, your body will go through periods of breathing, not breathing, waking up, and dozing off, and overall you do not get good rest.

Oxygen therapy gives your body the oxygen you need so that your system does not have to struggle to oxygenate your blood and organs. Even if you do not require oxygen therapy at night while you sleep, using supplemental oxygen during the day stabilizes your oxygen levels, so when you do go to sleep you will not suffer from lack of oxygen induced insomnia. 

If you do need oxygen while you sleep, it is important to have portable oxygen concentrators that can cover your oxygen requirements at night. For instance, the Respironics SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator is CPAP/BiPAP compatible and it is equipped with both pulse flow and continuous flow oxygen delivery modes to cover you 24/7. It offers pulse flow settings 1-6 and continuous flow settings 0.5-2.0 LPM.

To learn more about this device, and the others that could help you get to sleep and stay asleep, call 1(800)-946-1201 to speak with a respiratory specialist at LPT Medical. 

Overview

Oxygen is life, and not getting the oxygen you need is debilitating. Taking care of yourself means adjusting to a proper oxygen therapy regime and adhering to your treatment.  

Chronic illnesses, such as COPD, are not curable, but they can be treated, and you can live a healthy and long life with these conditions. 

That being said, feeling the effects of hypoxemia and hypoxia will be very uncomfortable and addressing these conditions is crucial for your wellbeing. You can address the symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue, and insomnia by utilizing your oxygen therapy. 

If you are not happy with your oxygen therapy method, there are ways to make oxygen therapy more comfortable and suitable for your lifestyle. You can start by understanding your options when it comes to oxygen therapy methods, there are three different oxygen devices and depending on your oxygen prescription you can fit the requirements laid out by one or all three of these devices. 

People with a high oxygen output prescriptions normally need to use an oxygen tank or a home oxygen concentrator because these devices can emit a lot of oxygen at one time, that being said there are downsides to these devices, and if you do not have to use one, there are better more mobile devices available today. 

Overall it is important that you do not wait to address symptoms associated with hypoxemia or hypoxia, and that you get tested right away, because it is possible that you are experiencing signs of a chronic illness like COPD. If this is the case, treating the disease in a timely manner can be the difference between experience very severe symptoms and managing your symptoms before they get worse. 

Oxygen is the most essential property of life, yet many people don't even have the ability to utilize oxygen properly due to chronic conditions such as Chronic Pulmonary Respiratory Disease (COPD). COPD is an illness that obstructs your airways either due to excess mucus clogging your airways, or your airways becoming swollen, or a mixture of both of these conditions. 

When your airways within your lungs become obstructed in this way it greatly impacts your ability to breathe properly which is not only uncomfortable but it is also unhealthy because your organs and muscles are not getting the oxygen they need to function properly. 

If your oxygen levels are low enough, you will qualify for oxygen therapy, which is a life saving therapy that gives lung patients a second chance to treat their disease and better manage their symptoms. 

Oxygen therapy, while necessary for some people, is not free, and sometimes it is not even covered by insurance, in this article we are going over some of the most affordable oxygen equipment, and how you can implement oxygen therapy into your life without taking on a huge financial burden. 

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In this article we will go over:

• Oxygen devices 
• Getting your oxygen tanks delivered 
• Oxygen equipment prices comparison 

Oxygen Equipment Options 

There are 3 main options for oxygen equipment, and they all range in their operational capacities, in prices, and they all offer different lifestyle accommodations.

Oxygen gas, compressed liquid oxygen, and home and portable oxygen concentrators are the main forms of oxygen equipment available. Each method offers the user a different experience, but it is not always the decision of the oxygen patient which method they will use.

The most important determining factor is people’s oxygen requirement that is determined by their doctors through a series of tests. These respiratory tests can be in the form of a blood test, a physical test, and a pulse oximeter test, all of these will indicate how much supplemental oxygen your body needs to function properly. 

Oxygen Gas 

Oxygen tanks are one of the first forms of oxygen therapy, that were first developed in 1868 and it  was used for general anesthesia patients. Oxygen tanks are still commonly used today despite the fact that they are outdated and cumbersome. 

Liquid oxygen tanks are similar, and they have been around a long time as well. These devices are also cold, and have to be handled carefully and stored properly. 

Traveling by airplane with either of these devices is not possible, and oxygen patients often have a hard time with mobility when they are using gas or liquid oxygen tanks. 

Portable Oxygen Concentrators 

This leaves the last option, that is the newest form of oxygen delivery method that gives oxygen patients a chance to better themselves physically and mentally, a portable oxygen contractors (POCs). POCs give the oxygen patient more than just oxygen, but the freedom, independence, and confidence that they need to go out and enjoy life to the fullest. 

Cost Analysis of Oxygen Equipment 

All of these devices also range in prices, and oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen devices are oftentimes covered by medicare and other insurance providers if you qualify. Portable oxygen concentrators on the other hand are not because they are still considered “luxury items” 

Even without coverage, portable oxygen concentrators are the cheapest options for respiratory patients who require long term oxygen therapy. It is unfortunate that many oxygen users immediately turn away from the option to buy a portable oxygen concentrator when they see the upfront costs because in the long term the upfront cost is much less that the costs you pay over time with an oxygen tank.

Oxygen tanks require constant refilling, and every time you have to get your tanks refilled they have to be delivered to you which is inconvenient and takes up valuable time and money. 

Portable oxygen concentrators never run out of oxygen, instead you charge the batteries every day and the machine extracts air from its surrounding and purifies it into medical grade oxygen. These devices are also on warranty and rated to last for many years, so you do not have to worry about buying a new one. 

So rather than paying thousands and thousand of dollars to an oxygen delivery service over the course of a year, you can pay a finite amount up front for a portable oxygen concentrator that won’t consistently be costing you money.

There are also options for people who do want a portable oxygen concentrator but do not want to spend a lot of money up front. With LPT Medical, an oxygen equipment company based in Denver, Colorado with one other location in Boca Raton, Florida, you can finance your oxygen device, and pay in increments rather than spending a large sum upfront.

To see if you qualify for a payment plan with LPT Medical, you can call, 1(800)-946-1201. 

Affording a Portable Oxygen Concentrator 

There are a lot of different types of POCs, and there are two types of device that you can get, a pulse flow POC and a continuous flow POC. Whether you buy a pulse flow or a continuous flow device will all depend on your oxygen prescription. Once our respiratory specialists in Boca, Raton Florida determine which type of POC will work for you, you will have likely 2-4 options for a POC that would suit your oxygen needs.

Of course how much the device costs will weigh into your decision, however this should not be the only criteria you are looking at when you are shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator. You should also be looking at the weight, the size, the battery life, and other factors like its compressor, the reliability, and maintenance requirements. 

There are a lot of resources for you when looking into a portable oxygen concentrator that you can use to compare and contrast different devices. 

For now we will focus on how to afford a portable oxygen concentrator and the step you can take to start saving for a portable oxygen concentrator. 

How to Save Money

1. Cut down on groceries

This is a great opportunity to start cutting out foods that are not good for you, and buying foods that are COPD friendly.  You can also save money, energy, and time online grocery shopping and using pickup or delivery services. Ordering your groceries online helps you get rid of the temptation of seeing any guilty pleasure items and throwing it in your cart and you’re forced to stick to your list and avoid impulse splurges.

2. Cancel subscriptions and memberships

Subscriptions such as Netflix, Hulu, any magazines, gym memberships, and Amazon Prime are all examples of automatic payments coming out of your account every month and if you are not utilizing these memberships canceling them can save you a lot of money. If you have a subscription that you do want to keep, you can look into options for sharing memberships with some family or friends making the membership cheaper!

3. Buy generic brands

Most of the time, the name brand products are no more than a pretty box and nicer marketing, but the product is exactly the same. Buying generic brands of medicine and vitamins, food items, cleaning products and paper products will cost you far less than brand-name.

4. Get rid of cable

Cable prices are rising exponentially. The average price for cable today adds up to over $1,200 a year, which is completely unnecessary because streaming services offer live tv channels, news, and other events nowadays. 

5. Save money automatically

If you want to put away money every month, you can set up your bank account to automatically transfer funds from your checking account into a savings account every month. You can also set up your direct deposit to automatically transfer 10% of each paycheck into your savings account. 

6. Reduce energy costs

You can save money by reducing your energy consumption and your electric bill. Small things like taking shorter showers, fixing leaky pipes, washing your clothes in cold water, installing dimmer switches and LED light bulbs, and turning off the light frequently can really add up to a lot of savings.

Buying new energy-efficient appliances is a great way to save money on your electric bill, but there are large upfront costs. You can start to budget for a portable oxygen concentrator and energy efficient appliance in your monthly budget, and you can save up and pay cash for those improvements over time.

7. Eat out less

Buying lunch a few times a week may seem harmless at the moment and sometimes cooking just doesn't sound enjoyable, but you can save quite a bit of money just by packing a lunch or eating at home! Oftentimes a week’s worth of groceries costs the same as two dinner meals out. You will see your savings go up and up month after month just by eating at home.

8. Lower your cell phone bill.

Depending on your cell phone provider, it is possible your monthly cell phone bill is much higher than it needs to be and there is actually a lot of opportunity to save money. You can choose to get rid of add ons like costly data plans, phone insurance and useless warranties. 

9. Staycation vs. vacation

This past year, everyone has saved money on travel, due to the global pandemic travel has been limited, especially to people with respiratory disease. You can continue to save money by being a tourist in your own city. This is a great opportunity to explore your neighborhood and surrounding towns and cities, it is also a way that you can safely stay busy. 

Pulse Flow Portable Oxygen Concentrators 

There are multiple pulse flow devices that can fit into most oxygen users requirements who use pulse flow operation. The Inogen One G3, the Inogen One G5, and the Caire Freestyle Comfort are the three best devices on the market, and they are all reasonably priced when you purchase yours from LPT Medical. 

Even though it would be rare for one of these devices to be covered by insurance, in the long-run they will cost less than an oxygen tank that has to be consistently refilled! 

The Inogen One G3

The Inogen One G3 is a pulse flow device that can output 210-1050 ml/min (milliliters per minute) so this device is great for oxygen patients that require oxygen at a 1-4 setting during the day or night.

Similarly to the Inogen One G4 the Inogen One G3 offers Intelligent Delivery Technology. Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology ensures that your oxygen is delivered within the first 400 milliseconds after your concentrator detects your breath. This almost guarantees that you’re receiving the entire bolus dose of oxygen delivered by your G3 and not wasting any of it. 

Portable oxygen concentrators run off of rechargeable batteries, and the One G3 has great battery life. Having a device that can last for up to 6 hours on setting 3 is amazing for oxygen patients who are looking for the freedom and independence to live their lives rather than being held back by their oxygen machine. 

To learn more about the One G3, and how much the portable oxygen concentrators costs on a payment plan or total upfront costs please call 1(800)-946-1201

The Inogen One G5 

The Inogen One G5 is very similar to the One G3 in that they are both pulse flow devices and offer the oxygen patient Intelligent Delivery Technology. The One G5 is more powerful and can operate at a setting of 5 which is 1260 ml/min (milliliters/minute), and its battery is more powerful, and can last up to 7 hours of a setting 3. 

The One G5 is an updated and newer version of the G3! It is also lighter than the One G3 and only weighs 4.7 pound with the single battery installed.  

If you are looking for the very best portable oxygen concentrator, the Inogen One G5 check all of the boxes.

The Caire Freestyle Comfort 

The Caire Freestyle Comfort is everything you need in an oxygen device. It is lightweight, has powerful pulse flow operation, and has a long-lasting battery. 

The Freestyle Comfort offers 210-1050 mil/min setting 1-5, and the battery can last for up to 16 hours! 

Because this device only weighs 5 pounds, oxygen patients can bring it with them easily wherever they go. 

Comparing Oxygen Device Costs 

Oxygen therapy is an essential treatment for hypoxemic patients there is no substitute and its benefits for oxygen patients are proven. Modern technology, portable oxygen concentrators, have improved the therapeutic benefits for oxygen patients and also reduced the cost of this expensive therapy. 

LPT Medical is committed to working with trusted manufacturers in order to continue seeking improvements in oxygen delivery that enables access and enhances quality of life. 

Portable oxygen concentrators reduce the frequency of delivery services, and home visits, yet the initial costs can still be intimidating to the average buyer. This is why it is important to work with suppliers, such as LPT Medical, who are working with their customers on an individual basis, and finding solutions to financial issues rather than turning people away from the therapeutic benefits portable oxygen therapy offers. 

Creating Affordable Options for Oxygen Patients

Seemingly it is increasingly more difficult for people to pay for the medical equipment they need in order to treat conditions like COPD, asthma, and sleep apnea. Although many people depend on oxygen equipment to be able to live fulfilling and satisfying lives, trying to get Medicare and private healthcare companies to see them as a necessity is like pulling teeth. 

Oftentimes, healthcare providers refuse to pay their fair share and respiratory patients are left high and dry without many options.

To counteract this, our goal here at LPT Medical is to get an oxygen concentrator in the hands of anyone and everyone who wants one. We’re proud to offer the lowest prices on portable oxygen concentrators you can find online. We also have very reasonable financing options so that you can make monthly payments which may be more manageable for you and your lifestyle. We have a wide price range of new products for sale, but we always have second hand machines for you to consider that are even less expensive.

Overview 

As a respiratory patient, it is important you take your treatments very seriously, and oftentimes treatment costs money. You can follow some of the ideas in this blog for saving money, there are some great ways that you can cut back and start saving money for your treatment. This will only improve your quality of life and help you to afford the best treatment!

If you decide that it is time to purchase a portable oxygen concentrator, you can call 1(800)-946-1201 or visit our website at LPTMedical.com for information about the POCs mentioned in this blog and others that were not mentioned. 

The best way to get connected with a POC that fits your oxygen perception, your budget, and your lifestyle is to talk with a respiratory specialist over the phone. Make sure you have your oxygen prescription handy so that we can best assist you 

It seems like no matter where we go these days or what we’re doing, we’re always using technology. While several decades ago, it may have been possible to avoid using a cell phone or the internet, this becomes increasingly difficult as nearly everything around us is moving digital. According to the Pew Research Center, 95% of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 own a cell phone, and 79% of people in the same age group own smartphones. These numbers are only expected to increase over the years.

Although the pros and cons of smartphone use are hotly debated, it’s fair to say that they’ve afforded us easier access to information than ever before. And if you’re someone with a respiratory illness like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you know that technology enables you to stay connected more easily with friends and loved ones, and research information about managing and treating your disease. What’s more, most of these resources are free and easy to use.

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If you’re a COPD patient who’s interested in technology that allows you to interact with your disease in unique and beneficial ways, stick around. We’re going to be taking a look at some of the best mobile applications you can have on your smartphone. In the meantime, if you’re in the market for a portable oxygen concentrator, feel free to reach out to our respiratory specialists in Denver, Colorado. LPT Medical offers the lowest prices on the latest portable oxygen concentrators including the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, Inogen One G5, and the Respironics SimplyGo.

AirNow Mobile Application (Android and Apple)

If you’ve read any of our blog posts here at LPT Medical, you know how important air quality is to us. While cigarette smoking is still the primary cause of COPD, exposure to outdoor air pollution, and indoor irritants is still a significant risk factor for contracting COPD. this is why it’s of the utmost importance to be conscious about the air we breathe and take steps to plan our life around these issues. While there will always be poor air quality due to wildfires and carbon emissions, we can take steps to live healthier lives.

If you read our post about wildfires, you know that we discussed a very important component of air quality: the air quality index (AQI). This is a broad term used to describe the overall quality of air outdoors. It’s an aggregate score of five major types of pollutants including carbon monoxide, particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10), ground-level ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The AQI scale runs from 0 being perfect air quality and 500 being the absolute worst. Generally speaking, COPD patients should not be outside if the AQI is over 100, but this will depend on the severity of your symptoms.

Rather than having to go to the AirNow website to check the AQI in your area, the AirNow Mobile application allows you to do it anywhere in the world from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet. You can save a variety of different locations to easily check the AQI all over the country and you can even view the AQI forecast in your area to make it easy to plan your week. Since all of the information is pulled straight from AirNow.gov, you can rest assured that it’s up-to-date and factual.

Breathe2Relax (Android and Apple)

Most people give very little or no thought to the way they breathe — but they should! The way we breathe is directly linked to many of the body’s functions including, sleep, digestion, and cognitive function. Simply by becoming more self-aware of our breathing habits and implementing techniques like deep breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, we can begin to reverse the negative effects of shallow, ineffective breathing. This is imperative for COPD patients who have significantly reduced lung function compared to the general population. 

Another problem with ineffective breathing is that it can cause anxiety. The Breathe2Relax app was created specifically to target this type of breathing and correct it so that you can feel more at peace and relaxed in your day-to-day life. One of the techniques it focuses on is diaphragmatic breathing which teaches you how to breathe using the diaphragm muscles below the lungs rather than using the chest muscles to breathe. Many people find it difficult to learn this technique from simply reading about it, so this app is more interactive to ensure you do the exercises correctly. Another great feature of this app is that it can connect with your Apple Watch to measure your heart rate and provide you even more detailed information about your health.

If you’d like to learn more about breathing exercises for COPD, we’ve created a great comprehensive guide. In this post, we take a look at 6 key breathing exercises that all COPD patients should know about including:

• The stop, rest and continue technique
• Pursed lips breathing
• Coordinated breathing
• Deep breathing
• Diaphragmatic breathing
• And a relaxed posture
  
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NCI QuitGuide (Android and Apple)

According to the American Lung Association, 85 to 90 percent of COPD patients contract their disease through cigarette smoking. While not all people continue smoking after being diagnosed with COPD, you may be surprised to find that around 38% do. Unfortunately, many people believe that the damage has already been done, and continuing to smoke will not affect them, however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Any amount of smoking, whether it’s one cigarette a week or a pack a day will contribute to lung inflammation, and thus, increase the rate at which COPD progresses.

Another problem with smoking as a COPD patient is that it significantly increases your risk of experiencing a flare-up or exacerbation. In short, an exacerbation is a sudden increase in respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, coughing, or wheezing. Acute exacerbations can be severe and even lead to hospitalization if they aren’t dealt with swiftly and efficiently. Smoking also impairs your immune system’s responsiveness making you more likely to contract a lung infection. Infections are also the most common cause of COPD exacerbations. For a more detailed look at the importance of smoking cessation, please visit our article titled: 15 Important Things That Happen When You Quit Smoking.

While there are many “quit smoking” apps out there, we chose NCI QuitGuide because it was created by the National Cancer Institute. This is one of 11 government organizations that makes up the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the United States. NCI QuitGuide is not necessarily designed to be an all-in-one smoking cessation tool, but it can be used in tandem with other methods like nicotine replacement therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Be sure to consult with your doctor to determine which method is best for you.

QuitGuide is a simple mobile application that allows you to track cigarette cravings, mood, and your reasons for quitting. It also displays information about your smoking cessation including the amount of money you’ve saved, days smoke-free, and provides you with milestones to reach. This app is perfect for anyone who wants to see the tangible effects of smoking cessation. The best part of all is that it’s free. There’s no need to worry about paying an upfront fee or paying a subscription of any kind.

The COPD Pocket Consultant Guide (Android and Apple)

We’ve referenced the COPD Foundation many times and you’re likely familiar with COPD360social, a free social networking site for people with COPD. However, you may be less familiar with their mobile application, the COPD Pocket Consultant Guide. This app has tools for healthcare providers, caretakers, and patients, so it’s important that you select the option that applies to you when you first open it. Once you have it set up, however, you’ll find that you have a variety of resources at your disposal.

The “For My Next Visit” section is designed to help you prepare for your next doctor’s visit. This is a simple tool that displays a bunch of “questions” and “symptoms.” You can then go through and select the questions you’d like to ask your doctor upon your next visit, along with any symptoms that have changed since your last one. You can then either save your results or print them out to show your doctor.

The “Wallet Card” section is designed to work like a digital version of your medical information card. Through this tool, you can save important information about your oxygen concentrator flow setting, CPAP or BiPAP settings, and a whole host of other things such as your physician contact information and insurance provider information. The best part about this feature is that it allows you to secure all of this important information using face identification technology. This way, you ensure that only you can view this information.

The third feature of this app is the training video section. Pulmonary rehabilitation, inhaler therapy, and nebulizer therapy are key components of most COPD treatment plans, and these videos will show you exactly how to do these things effectively. Believe it or not, studies show that many people do not follow their treatment plan, especially when it comes to using an inhaler. This app provides the easiest solution to this with all the training videos in one area.

The next feature of this app is the “Activity Tracking” section. This section lists out a bunch of daily activities such as cleaning, making the bed, and brushing your teeth, then you get to choose the level of difficulty you have doing these things. Fill out this form once a month and then print it out to see what kind of progress you’re making in your day-to-day life.  

An action plan is a series of steps you will take if you encounter a specific problem. The COPD Pocket Consultant Guide divides your symptoms into three different categories: green, meaning you feel good; yellow, meaning you feel worse than normal; and red, meaning you are experiencing serious and disruptive respiratory problems. Go over this section of the app with your doctor so that you’re prepared for days where your symptoms increase.

Last but certainly not least, there is a section titled “more” that has additional resources for you to view. This includes links to COPD360social, the COPD Foundation blog, the COPD Patient-Powered Research Network (COPD PPRN), a COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and a help page if you’re experiencing any issues with the app or you have any questions about managing your disease.

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All Respiratory Disease and Treatment (Android)

The last mobile application we’re going to go over is not necessarily specifically designed for COPD patients, but it’s more of an educational resource about all respiratory diseases — chronic and acute — and how they’re treated. This is a useful app if you’re someone who simply enjoys learning about the lungs and how to take care of them. It can also help you put COPD into perspective and clarify any confusion about its similarities and differences when it comes to other lung diseases.

The best advantage of using this app is that you won’t have to waste time scouring the internet for information about COPD and other lung diseases. Simply open up the app and you’ll be able to view a substantial amount of information about COPD like a definition, risk factors, symptoms, causes, home remedies, and much more. It’s also handy to have on-the-go if a question comes to mind while you’re away from your computer at home. The only downside is that this app is only available on Android. 

Conclusion

The world is a more connected place than ever before. One of the biggest benefits of this is that we can have easier access to information in the palm of our hands, pretty much wherever we go. If you’re a COPD patient, you need to stay up to date on how to treat your disease, as well as how to use things like inhalers, nebulizers, and oxygen devices. The apps listed above are just a few of the free resources you have available to you if you use a smartphone like an Android or an iPhone. 

Looking for more ways to stay connected? Telehealth technology is reshaping the way we view healthcare and it’s becoming increasingly more accessible for COPD patients like you. Check out this blog post where we feature portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and the Inogen One G5 and the unique technologies they’re bringing to the oxygen industry. And in the meantime, stay tuned to our blog where we discuss helpful information about COPD and COPD management.

Happiness, an emotional state of being that humans are innately attracted to. Happiness overall embodies positivity and satisfaction, yet it is a subjective well-being that makes an individual truly happy. This means that everyone's happiness is rooted in something unique to them, and their journey through life is fueled by their own desires, and while society can inflict its bias on everyone and sway people into believing there is only one way to be happy, in reality happiness is limitless.

But how can you be happy if you are suffering? If you have COPD, it is fair to say that you are spending a lot of time in discomfort and even in pain, both physical and emotional, so seeking out happiness throughout you COPD diagnosis can seem like a daunting and even impossible task. 

In this blog, we look into your COPD symptoms and how you can ease some of these uncomfortable feelings associated with your disease. Beyond treating your disease there are a few ways that you can begin to feel happy again, and we hope that some of these concepts resonate with you so you can start implementing them into your life. 

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At LPT Medical, our goal is to help respiratory patients nationwide by giving them the oxygen equipment they need at the most affordable price. We offer the very best portable oxygen concentrator on the market that gives respiratory patients the freedom and independence many people crave in order to be happy! Again, happiness is subjective, and unique to every individual, which is why we supply many different brands, makes, and models on POCs, check out our inventory on our website LPTmedical.com, or reach a respiratory specialist based in Denver, CO by calling 1(800)-946-1201 

Happiness is Reliable and Easy Oxygen Equipment 

For many respiratory patients happiness is having oxygen equipment that is not only reliable but helpful. Studies have proven that oxygen therapy prolongs life in patients who are a certain level of hypoxic. So while the oxygen therapy is giving you a quantity of years back, remember that the type of oxygen equipment you are using can impact the quality of those years you are getting back.   

If you utilize oxygen therapy you are most likely using one of these three methods:

1. Portable oxygen concentrators 
2. Liquid oxygen tanks 
3. Gas oxygen tanks 

There are several reasons why POCs give oxygen patients a quality of life that tanks cannot. 

Portability  

First and foremost, is the portable aspect of a POC compared to the two alternative methods. POCs were designed with the active oxygen patient in mind. We wanted to give oxygen patients who were looking to be more active the opportunity to do so without being weighed down by heavy machinery.

POCs like the Caire Freestyle Comfort weight just under 5 pounds and have an ergonomic shape that makes this device easy to carry with you in a Caire Freestyle backpack, or its Caire Freestyle custom carrying case. Have the accessibility to move freely around your home is happiness in itself. But in addition to this you will have the capabilities to exercise more frequently which is known to increase happiness and promote healthy emotional responses, and for many people more exercise means more happiness.  

Battery powered

If you have an oxygen tank, you have to spend a lot of time and money waiting for your oxygen to be delivered to you weekly. Spending all of this cash and waiting around for a delivery service would weigh on anyone. There are often delivery delays that cause unnecessary stress, not to mention additional fees and price jumps for oxygen services that you have been using for years. 

With a POC you are cutting off all dependability you have on other aspects outside of your control. Instead you are responsible for charging your device, and that's it. The Respironics SImplyGo POC is a pulse flow and continuous flow device, and its battery can last up to 3.4 hours, and when it needs to be charged you can do so almost anywhere. With the AC and DC charging cable you will be able to plug in your device at home, in the car or RV, even a boat! 

Because POCs are not oxygen reservoirs, you can travel with your POC on an airplane. And it is no surprise that travel promotes happiness in so many people! If you love to travel, but are limited by your oxygen tanks, it could be very beneficial to you and your happiness to buy a portable oxygen concentrator.

Happiness is Treating your COPD with Care and Attention 

For many people happiness is keeping their COPD symptoms at ease and treating their disease diligently in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Since we already discussed oxygen therapy, there are 6 other main treatments for COPD that can make a very big difference in the quality of life and happiness you are experiencing throughout your diagnosis. All of these treatments can go a long way in easing some of your symptoms and supporting your mental health. 

1. Medication 
2. Quit smoking 
3. Eating a COPD healthy diet 
4. Taking supplements if you have deficiencies 
5. Pulmonary Rehabilitations
6. Therapy and/or support groups 

Happiness is Appreciating the Little Things 

Life is hard, and it's harder if you have COPD. The simplest thing in life, breathing, is being stripped away from you. It is uncomfortable and disheartening. Life seems unfair, and it is in the hardest and most painful moments you have to be strong enough to appreciate the small things in your life that are positive. 

This is so much easier said than done, and it takes effort and time to be able to accomplish this practice. Here are some steps into focusing on the positive things:

1. Start a journal and write down one thing a day that you are grateful for. This can be easy because you can write down something as small as being grateful for a cup of coffee, or the support of a loved one. Try to think of something different everyday. 

3. Connect with your family and friends.Even if you can only do this virtually, try to call and speak with someone that you love once a day, even if it's just for a small amount of time. Humans are very social creatures, and social interaction can promote happiness if you value togetherness. 

4. Try mediation. Mediation is the practice of being in the here and now, which is something everyone struggles with from time to time, and if you have COPD or another chronic illness it is even harder to be present. It is very possible that you are thinking about your next doctor's visit, or how you once love to do something that you are incapable of doing now that you are sick. Thinking about the past and future can cultivate a negative headspace. Mediation helps bring you back to this moment, so you can start to focus on your life right in front of you rather than the past and future moments that are out of your control. 

5. Treat yourself. Understanding that you are in a difficult position and giving yourself credit for going through the trials and tribulations of your disease is a useful way to promote a little bit of happiness in your life here and there. Think about what brings you joy whether it is scoop of ice cream or a new pair of shoes, and go out and get it!! Remember that these little gifts to yourself are sometimes a form of instant gratification, and the happiness you gain from these types of endeavors can be fleeting, but every so often we all need a little pick me up!

Happiness is Being Empathic 

Empathy is an interesting thing, and often confused with sympathy. As a person with COPD, it is easy to forget that the people around you are going through their own challenges, and as small as those hardships may seem to you compared to what you are going through, people’s challenges are relative to them and their experiences. 

If you can find the energy to be empathic to a loved one in your life, you will gain a sense of understanding and more importantly perspective. 

Perspective is the lens in which we see and react to certain situations, the broader and more complex your perspective is the more in control of your emotional state you will be. This means that by taking a step back from the issue or circumstance in front of you you will be able to see the bigger picture and deal with the issue reasonably rather than being intimidated and stressed out by your situation. 

Empathy helps you broaden your perspective by connecting with other people on a level deep enough where you understand that everyone has hardships and while you are suffering and COPD is a very invasive disease, you have the ability to get stronger and deal with your disease and life in general. 

Overview

COPD patients have to be some of the strongest and most willful people on the planet. They are constantly struggling to breathe and experiencing other symptoms on top of that daily. The mental and physical exhaustion is something that a healthy person would ever understand. Yet, here you are, alive!

Happiness is attainable, and as hard as it may seem, if you can find happiness in the simple things if you are able to change your perspective and focus on more positive things. You can also do a lot for your well-being by getting oxygen equipment that promotes a healthy lifestyle.  Lastly, being diligent and treating your COPD can make a huge difference not only for your physical wellbeing but your mental state of mind!

Supplemental oxygen is a type of medical therapy used to treat chronic lung conditions like cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and COPD. The aim of supplemental oxygen is to maintain a patient’s blood oxygen levels which are vital for systemic health. Every organ in the body requires oxygen in order to function properly, so using supplemental oxygen as it’s advised by your doctor can provide you with immense short- and long-term benefits.

Despite how important supplemental oxygen is for respiratory patients, receiving a prescription for oxygen therapy can be a scary experience. You likely have a lot of thoughts and concerns running through your mind and you’re likely overwhelmed by the prospect of being connected to an oxygen delivery device. While these concerns are certainly justified, it’s important to take a step back and begin to clarify your concerns with your doctor. Chances are, as you learn more about oxygen therapy and become more experienced with using it, many of your concerns will begin to disappear.

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To help you organize your thoughts, we’re going to be discussing 14 questions you should ask your pulmonologist about supplemental oxygen therapy. Feel free to either print out this article or take notes so that you know exactly what to ask your doctor during your next visit. If you enjoy this article and you’re looking for more information, be sure to read through our post titled “16 Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor About COPD.”

1.) Is Oxygen a Necessity or a Suggestion?

Chances are, you or someone that you know has fallen back on a prescription at some point. Either you never make it to the pharmacy to pick up your medication or you simply stop using the medication for one reason or another. This Harvard Medical report states that many people either forget to use their medication, or they never fill it due to high copayments. So, naturally, you might wonder whether or not your oxygen therapy prescription will follow a similar trend. As a general rule of thumb, you should take what your doctor says seriously, because it’s unlikely that he/she would make you go out of your way or spend extra money on something that isn’t necessary. However, it doesn’t hurt to address these concerns so that your doctor can clarify the rationale behind your oxygen prescription.

2.) What are the Benefits of Oxygen Therapy?

The second thing you should ask your pulmonary doctor about are the benefits you can expect to reap from using supplemental oxygen. The air around us contains about 21% oxygen, but for someone with impaired lung function, this is not always enough for them to sustain their blood oxygen levels. The goal of oxygen therapy is to provide the lungs with a higher concentration of oxygen in order to reduce the load on the lungs. You may experience additional benefits from using supplemental oxygen based on the severity of your disease. Be sure to ask your doctor about this. 

3.) What is My Flow Rate?

Your flow rate determines the amount of oxygen that you will be receiving when you put on the nasal cannula. It’s imperative that you know the exact amount of oxygen that you should be receiving because inhaling too much oxygen can lead to a condition called oxygen toxicity. This condition results in dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and eventual lung damage. Conversely, receiving too little oxygen will not provide you with the full benefits of supplemental oxygen. 

Oxygen flow is measured using one of two different measurements. Pulse dose oxygen devices are measured in milliliters per minute (ml/min) and continuous flow oxygen devices are measured in liters per minute (LPM). The amount of oxygen that you’re prescribed will be based on the severity of your respiratory impairment, but generally speaking, most people need less than 2 LPM of oxygen.

4.) How Many Hours a Day Should I Use Oxygen?

Knowing how long you should be using oxygen is just as important as knowing your oxygen flow setting. If you’re using oxygen inconsistently, you might see a lot of your respiratory symptoms start to return. Long-term oxygen therapy is usually done for at least several hours a day, and your doctor will work with you to determine the best time to use it. If your doctor prescribes you with 24/7 oxygen, then you should discuss with your doctor about using an oxygen concentrator which doesn’t need to be refilled constantly like oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen tanks.

5.) What Type of Oxygen Device Should I Buy?

You might be surprised to find out how many oxygen devices there are on the market. You’ll have a whole host of options to choose from including traditional oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen tanks, stationary oxygen concentrators, and portable oxygen concentrators. But as someone who’s new to supplemental oxygen, you likely don’t know where to even begin with choosing one of these. Your doctor will likely have some information for you regarding which oxygen devices you should avoid and which ones you should consider.

It’s important to be careful when you’re purchasing an oxygen device. You may encounter companies that try to sell you oxygen without a prescription or that boasts prices that are significantly lower than any other company. However, these are most likely scams. Before making any decisions, be sure to research the company that you’re buying from to make sure that their products are reliable and that they follow all laws and regulations. For more information about how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates oxygen, please visit this page. 

6.) Is it Okay to Adjust My Flow Rate Depending on How I’m Feeling?

If you have a chronic respiratory condition like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, it’s not uncommon for symptoms to come and go. One day, you might be out of breath or lightheaded and the next you could feel perfectly fine. Because of this, you’re going to want to clarify with your doctor when it’s okay to adjust your oxygen flow and when you should not adjust your oxygen flow. The reason it’s important to ask this question is because your increase in symptoms may be due to something completely unrelated to your blood oxygen levels. In which case, increasing your oxygen flow would not benefit you.

7.) How Can I Track My Blood Oxygen Level?

A pulse oximeter, or pulse ox device, clips onto your finger and measures the saturation of oxygen in your blood (SpO2). They are noninvasive and they work by passing rays of light through your finger to measure the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin. While they aren’t the most accurate method of measuring blood oxygen levels, they are very lightweight and portable meaning you can pack one in your purse or handbag for easy access. If your doctor hasn’t already provided you with one, it’s worth mentioning it so that you have a way of monitoring your oxygen levels. To learn more about blood oxygen levels, read this post.

8.) Is Oxygen Therapy Safe?

Since oxygen is a controlled substance in the United States and requires a prescription, you may be wondering if it’s even safe to use in the first place. The answer to this question is “yes,” however, there are some things you should be aware of. Firstly, as aforementioned, using more oxygen than you’re prescribed will put you at risk of experiencing oxygen toxicity. Secondly, the safety of oxygen therapy depends heavily on the type of oxygen device you’re using. 

Traditional oxygen tanks are the most dangerous because they contain compressed oxygen and they’re also heavy and bulky. Portable oxygen concentrators are the least dangerous oxygen device because they are lightweight and do not contain compressed oxygen. Oxygen is an “oxidizer” meaning it increases the flammability of anything it comes into contact with. So, you should never smoke near your oxygen device or use it near an open flame.

9.) Should I Be On Oxygen When I Sleep?

If your doctor prescribes you with 24/7 oxygen, you might be wondering how this will work when you’re sleeping. Your breathing rate and depth fluctuate a lot when you sleep so the amount of oxygen that you’re receiving could change throughout the night. This is why it might be worth it to invest in a portable oxygen concentrator like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort or the Inogen One G5. Unlike oxygen tanks, these devices closely monitor your breathing as you sleep and adjust your intake accordingly.

If you have a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you may need to use your PAP device and your oxygen device at the same time while you sleep. PAP therapy is of critical importance for OSA patients because it keeps their airways open as they sleep allowing them to get restful sleep without interruptions. To use your CPAP device with your oxygen device, you need to be using a continuous flow oxygen unit and have a bleed in adapter that connects the tubing together. The Respironics SImplyGo is the perfect portable oxygen concentrator for CPAP compatibility.

10.) How Can I Eliminate Discomfort While on Supplemental Oxygen?

For the most part, oxygen therapy shouldn’t cause any discomfort. However, some people encounter issues with the nasal cannula such as irritation inside the nose due to dryness or some other reason. Humidifiers can actually be attached to your oxygen device to help ease the discomfort and there are a number of other accessories you can purchase that make the process more comfortable. We actually wrote a guide discussing some of the issues oxygen patients face and how to solve them. Check it out here. 

11.) Can I Exercise on Oxygen?

Consistent moderate exercise is crucial for pulmonary wellness. Not only does exercise improve the strength of your lungs but it also increases the efficiency that your heart pumps oxygen throughout your body. So, just because you’ve started oxygen therapy does not mean that you should stop exercising. Check out this post which has some tips for exercising with an oxygen device and be sure to ask your doctor for advice as well.

12.) What Do I Need to Know to Travel With Oxygen?

Traveling around the world with COPD is much easier than ever before thanks to portable oxygen concentrators. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the organization that oversees all commercial flights in the United States has approved most POCs for in-flight use. However, to make sure you have everything you need, you should contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight. Most airlines require that you have at least one and a half times as much battery life as the duration of the flight. This will make up for any delays that may occur before and after you land.

13.) How Do I Maintain My Oxygen Device?

With the advent of the novel coronavirus, cleaning has taken on a whole new meaning. No matter what type of oxygen device you decide to use, you should take the time to clean it regularly. What’s more, nasal cannulae and oxygen tubing should be replaced every two weeks to ensure it’s clean and ready for use. If you purchase a portable oxygen concentrator you should remove the particle filters each week and wash them off. This will ensure that the air you’re inhaling through the cannula is clean and free of dust and dirt.

14.) Will I Need to Get Retested For Supplemental Oxygen?

Doctors typically use arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, and various lung tests to determine your need for supplemental oxygen. However, you may need to take on-going tests to help your doctor determine whether or not you still need oxygen in the future. Ask your doctor what kind of tests you will need to take and how often you should come in for a checkup once you are using your oxygen device. Some patients find it helpful to get a certificate of medical necessity which can help you file insurance claims and apply for benefits.

Conclusion

Supplemental oxygen is a very important facet of your treatment regime if you have COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, or any other number of lung conditions. Unfortunately, it’s something that takes time to get used to and learn about if you’ve never done it before. Many people don’t even know what questions they should be asking their doctor so we hope that this guide will help with demystifying oxygen therapy.

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Here at LPT Medical, we take your search for an oxygen therapy device very seriously. We work with some of the top brands in the industry such as Inogen, Respironics, AirSep, and Caire in order to provide our patients with the best oxygen devices on the market for an affordable price. Our respiratory specialists will work with you one-on-one to determine what your medical needs are, then they will help you narrow down your options based on your lifestyle and preferences. We also have a number of buying options like new, refurbished, and used units so you can choose which one best fits your needs.

Feel free to reach out to us either by email or phone to get started finding an oxygen device for you.

Respiratory conditions are some of the most common illnesses in the world. According to HealthDay, about one in every seven people in the United States has some type of respiratory disorder such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and some people have more than one. While many people are aware of what kinds of lung diseases there are, there isn’t a lot of awareness surrounding the global burden of lung disease and how much harm they actually cause.

Although COPD is a disease that develops slowly over the course of many years, it puts the patient at risk for many other conditions such as recurring lung infections, pulmonary hypertension, and even cardiovascular disease. In this post, we’re going to take a look at one of the lesser-known side-effects of COPD called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We’ll discuss exactly what this condition is, its symptoms, as well as how it’s linked to COPD and other chronic illnesses.

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As always, if you have any questions about what you read here, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. 

What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a life-threatening condition that causes the tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli to fill with fluid. It’s referred to as an “acute” illness because it usually develops quickly and without much warning. Since the alveoli are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood, patients with ARDS will experience a sharp decline in their blood oxygen levels. This is called hypoxemia, and over time, it can lead to tissue and organ damage because they rely on oxygen to function properly.

ARDS is considered a type of respiratory failure. This is an umbrella term that includes a wide range of chronic and acute conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and asthma. There are fewer than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome each year making it a fairly uncommon condition. The survival rate of ARDS is between 50% and 70%. Symptoms of ARDS vary from patient to patient, but severe shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and confusion or dizziness are the most common. 

In ARDS, the lungs go through several different phases. These phases vary from patient-to-patient but we’ve outlined the basics of each for your convenience.

Exudative

“Exudate” is a term that refers to the buildup of fluid due to cellular damage or inflammation. In the case of an ARDS patient, water, protein, and inflammatory and red blood cells leak from surrounding blood vessels into the alveoli, preventing the transfer of oxygen into the blood. What also occurs during this phase is reduced lung compliance. In other words, the lungs become stiff, losing a lot of the elasticity that allows you to fill them with air fully. This is why mechanical ventilation is often the first step in solving ARDS because it reduces the physical burden of breathing for the patient.

Proliferative

Cell proliferation is when a cell grows and divides into two daughter cells. The type of proliferation that occurs in ARDS is called fibroproliferation and it’s when the alveolar structure begins to repair itself and re-establish the barrier function. This is also when fibroblasts begin to proliferate. Fibroblasts are the most common cell found in connective tissue. They secrete the protein collagen which creates a structural framework for many tissues in your body. Typically, the proliferative phase of ARDS lasts around 7 to 14 days after the incident.  

Fibrotic

The final stage of ARDS is known as the fibrotic stage. Pulmonary fibrosis refers to the development of scar tissue in the lungs. If inflammation and fluid buildup continue in the lungs it can lead to the formation of scar tissue which puts you at a high risk of pneumothorax. This is when one or both of the lungs deflate. Check out this article we wrote that discusses pneumothorax in detail.  

What Causes Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome causes are divided into two different categories: direct (pulmonary or primary) lung injury or indirect (extrapulmonary or secondary) lung injury. Direct lung injury occurs within the lung epithelium and indirect lung injury is a systemic disorder that diffusely damages the lung epithelium.

Primary Lung Injuries that Cause ARDS

Pneumonia

Pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome are very similar. They both result in the buildup of fluid in the alveoli of the lungs. However, pneumonia is caused by either a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, whereas ARDS has a number of direct and indirect causes. Pneumonia is very common with over 3 million cases in the United States each year. Pneumonia can be a life-threatening condition for infants, people over the age of 65, and people with serious underlying health conditions.

Certain types of pneumonia can be prevented with vaccinations and bacterial infections can be treated effectively with the use of antibiotics. Pneumonia progresses to ARDS when the fluid buildup does not improve and the patient experiences worsening breathlessness and inability to breathe without the use of a ventilator. According to an article published in the Oxford Medical Journal, pneumonia is responsible for 31% of all patients who develop ARDS.

Thoracic Trauma

Thoracic trauma is another way of saying physical trauma that’s done to the chest. According to Science Direct, trauma patients account for 10% to 30% of all patients who develop ARDS. If you experience a chest injury, no matter the severity, be sure to speak with your doctor about the potential risk of developing ARDS.

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Smoke or Gas Inhalation

Airborne particles like smoke and gas are a risk factor or direct cause of many chronic lung conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and more. People who work in industrial settings are highly susceptible to respiratory complications because they’re often exposed to high levels of air pollution for prolonged periods of time. However, everyone is at risk of the negative effects of air pollution. Visit AirNow.gov to learn more about the air quality in your area.

Secondary Lung Injuries that Cause ARDS

Severe Sepsis

Sepsis is a blood condition that results when you have an unusual reaction to an infection. In a normal immune response, your body sends immune cells and various chemicals to fight off the threat. However, sepsis occurs when the immune response spreads throughout your body causing inflammation. If sepsis is severe enough, it can begin to damage organs throughout your body including the lungs. Any type of infection can cause sepsis, so it’s important to keep an eye out for the warning signs.

The group of people most likely to experience sepsis are people over the age of 65 and people with weakened immune systems, so people with diabetes or an autoimmune disease are at high risk The symptoms of sepsis include confusion, body aches, shortness of breath, a fever, and a high heart rate. Sepsis typically develops pretty quickly after an infection, but the longer it prolongs without being treated, the higher the risk there is of the patient developing severe sepsis. Antibiotics are the primary treatment method for sepsis, but if damage has already been done, the patient may require surgery in order to remove damaged tissue.

Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an organ that sits just behind the lower part of the stomach. It’s part of the endocrine system and it’s responsible for secreting hormones and fluids that assist with the digestion of sugars, fats, and starches. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and it’s unable to perform its job correctly. Pancreatitis is usually caused by collateral damage from abdominal surgery, alcoholism, certain medications, or gallstones. It can also be acute, coming on quickly, or chronic, developing slowly over the course of many years. Similar to sepsis patients, pancreatitis patients may experience inflammation in other parts of the body due to the release of chemicals into the bloodstream.

Drug Overdose

According to PubMed, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and opiates can all cause acute respiratory distress syndrome. Studies have shown that about 10% of all ARDS cases are drug induced.  

How are ARDS and COPD Linked?

ARDS and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are commonly confused, but they are not the same condition. Whereas ARDS is a condition that develops quickly and can often be life-threatening if it’s not treated quickly, COPD is a condition that develops over the course of many years. About 85 to 90% of COPD cases are caused by cigarette smoking, whereas ARDS has a number of different causes, some of which we have listed above. Although COPD doesn’t directly cause ARDS, it is a risk factor.

COPD is very uncommon in people under the age of 40, so the demographic of COPD patients alone puts them at a higher risk of ARDS. Secondly, the vast majority of COPD patients are either current smokers or have smoked in the past. It’s estimated that around 30% of COPD patients are current smokers. Smoking is known to have a number of adverse effects on the immune system including increased susceptibility to influenza and pneumonia. 

What’s more, smokers experience more severe and longer-lasting illness due to a lack of protective antioxidants in the blood. Current or previous smokers are at a higher risk of contracting and experiencing severe symptoms from sepsis, pneumonia, and pancreatitis, all of which are causes of ARDS.  

How is ARDS Treated?

Mechanical Ventilation

A ventilator is a device that assists a patient with the physical act of breathing. Since ARDS causes the lungs to fill with fluid, breathing becomes very labored meaning the patient will struggle to catch a breath and they may even struggle to expel air from the lungs. The ventilator will ensure that the patient is able to completely fill their lungs.

Supplemental Oxygen

Oxygen therapy differs from ventilation in that the air is not forced into the patient’s lungs. Rather, a high concentration of oxygen is released into either a nasal cannula or an oxygen mask and then it’s inhaled by the patient. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may put you on both a ventilator and supplemental oxygen. Maintaining healthy blood oxygen levels is imperative because it promotes the proper function of all organs in your body, thus reducing the risk of complications due to ARDS.

Fluid Management

In order to get ARDS patients off of ventilation and supplemental oxygen the fluid that has built up in the lungs needs to be drained. This is a very difficult task because consuming too many fluids can exacerbate this issue and consuming none could lead to heart and kidney problems. Many doctors will prescribe a medication called a diuretic which helps them gradually release fluids from their system. 

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

ECMO is an extremely complex process that involves removing blood from the body, removing carbon dioxide, then re-oxygenating it and putting it back in the body. Essentially, this process allows medical specialists to bypass the heart and lungs allowing them to heal. ECMO is only done in medical emergencies because there are a lot of risks involved.

How Can ARDS be Prevented?

Smoking Cessation

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness in the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers have a life expectancy that is 10 years less than that of nonsmokers. Smoking not only damages and inflames the lungs, but it also suppresses your immune system which is needed to fight off infections that can cause ARDS.

Get Vaccinated

If you’re someone who’s at high risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, getting vaccinated for pneumonia, influenza, and other diseases could be life-saving. However, before getting any vaccines you should speak with your doctor who will examine your medical history and help you determine which vaccines you should get and which ones to avoid. It’s estimated that about 5% of critical coronavirus (COVID-19) cases lead to ARDS so if you’re concerned about this, address them with your doctor.

Visit a Doctor if You’re Sick

Most healthy people simply stay home if they’re sick. However, if you’re at high risk for ARDS, you should keep in touch with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Since ARDS develops quickly and it can be life-threatening, it’s best to know ahead of time what the warning signs are so that you can visit the emergency room.   

Conclusion

COPD and ARDS are two separate conditions, but they are linked in a number of ways. Firstly, the damage to the alveoli in ARDS patients is similar to that found in emphysema patients. What’s more, COPD patients are more likely to experience severe ARDS in relation to the general population. Many COPD patients are smokers which also puts them at a high risk of experiencing ARDS. If you want to reduce your risk of severe respiratory events like this, your best bet is to follow your treatment plan and quit smoking immediately. It’s also important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience a traumatic injury or develop a lung infection.

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One of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself if you have COPD is to follow your daily treatment plan. This includes maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet, sticking to a moderate and consistent exercise routine, and keeping your blood oxygen levels normal. At LPT Medical, we aim to simplify your oxygen therapy routine by offering low-cost and convenient oxygen devices called portable oxygen concentrators. Devices like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and Inogen One G5 weigh under 5 pounds and they’re small enough to carry under your shoulder without discomfort. Since portable oxygen concentrators are electronic devices, you simply need to keep them charged.

Give us a call or send us an email today to speak with an oxygen concentrator specialist.