Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a combination of bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic obstruction develops slowly and leads to impaired lung function that cannot be restored. However, continued development of symptoms can often be prevented by smoking cessation.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that COPD is the fourth largest cause of death after heart disease, cancer and stroke. Despite this, it is unfortunately an under-diagnosed and under-treated disease.
The characteristic symptoms are cough, shortness of breath and mucus production. Common risk factors are long-term smoking, pollutants from industry, allergies and repeated episodes of pneumonia.
Studies of oxygen therapy point to prolonged survival by several years and increased physical capacity.
Treatment methods
Long-term therapy with oxygen is the established standard treatment for patients with advanced COPD.
There are three different methods for oxygen therapy in the home.
Liquid oxygen
Gaseous oxygen in cylinders
Oxygen concentrators
Smoking is strongly associated with COPD (around 90%). To be able to benefit from the oxygen therapy, the patient must stop smoking. This is also important for safety reasons as smoking poses an increased risk of fire in the use of oxygen.
Always and only dispense oxygen according to the doctor's instructions. If you suspect that your equipment is not working properly, contact the healthcare professionals.
