Depending on supplemental oxygen, which can be with oxygen tanks, both compressed or liquid, or with an oxygen concentrator, is a fact of life for many and it becomes the important, never to be forgotten, point of their lives. After the initial shock of being prescribed with supplemental oxygen there is a stage of acute awareness of the oxygen unit, but this soon turns into something that is done automatically.
There is a risk however that when the patient, or their caretaker, is on "automatic pilot" their concentration lapses and it could be that the oxygen supply is not as it should be. Few people have the ability to keep 100% focused all the time which is why we set up habits and automatic responses. On the downside when you do things automatically the risk of small errors is greater and in the case of supplemental oxygen, this can mean oxygen deprivation. One of the effects of
lack of oxygen is that the person does not realize he or she is not breathing enough oxygen.
A reduced oxygen supply can happen due to twists in the feeding tube, incorrect breathing (the mouth and not the nose), and so on. Pass the word to those who are close to you and share the warning signs of a lack of oxygen; and for those who have someone close, a relative or friend, who is dependent on oxygen, be observant. Make sure you and those near you can recognize the lack of oxygen signs so as to react accordingly. Pulse oximeters are a great checking tool if you suspect a lack of oxygen.
Lack of Oxygen Warning Signs
1. Lips or finger nail turn a bluish/purplish color.
2. Another warning sign relates to conversation. Slurred words or not making sense.
3. Headaches are also sometimes caused by lack of oxygen.
4. Drowsiness is another warning sign of a potential lack of oxygen..
5. Not enough oxygen can be reflected through shortness of breath, irregular breathing or breathlessness.
6. A feeling of anxiety can also be a warning sign.
These are warning signs meant to help you avoid complications. They may not necessarily reflect a lack of oxygen, but the good thing is that with a pulse oximeter it is very easy, and quick, to check the oxygen saturation levels.
If you or someone near you is on supplemental oxygen, make sure to pass on this knowledge. It doesn't matter if this causes a few false emergencies - just one correct reaction will be worth it.
As mentioned before, oxygen deprivation causes a lack of concentration and awareness, so very probably the person suffering from it will not realize he or she is not getting enough oxygen. A timely reaction from someone close by will definitely help.
