Medical Air

Dosage for medical oxygen is not measured in milligrams but in flow rate (Liters per Minute, LPM) or concentration (Fraction of Inspired Oxygen, FiO2). The goal of therapy is typically to maintain an oxygen saturation (SpO2) within a specific target range.

• For Acute Illness (Non-COPD): The standard target is often 94-98%. This may require 2-6 LPM via nasal cannula or higher flows via masks.
• For Chronic Lung Disease (COPD): To prevent CO2 retention, the target SpO2 is typically lower, between 88-92%. Dosing usually starts at 1-2 LPM.
• For Cluster Headaches: 12-15 LPM via a non-rebreather mask for 15-20 minutes at the onset of symptoms.
• For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: 100% oxygen via a non-rebreather mask or hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Oxygen is used in children and neonates, but with extreme caution. In premature infants, high levels of oxygen can lead to Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Healthcare providers typically aim for SpO2 targets of 91-95% in this population. Flow rates are often much lower, sometimes measured in fractions of a liter (e.g., 0.5 LPM).

Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustment is required for patients with kidney disease, as oxygen is not cleared by the kidneys.

Hepatic Impairment

No dosage adjustment is required for patients with liver disease.

Elderly Patients

Elderly patients may have a lower baseline PaO2 due to age-related changes in lung function. Dosing should be titrated to clinical response and pulse oximetry. Care should be taken to monitor for skin breakdown around the ears and nose from tubing.

Oxygen must be administered using a delivery device prescribed by a doctor. Common devices include:

• Nasal Cannula: Two small prongs that sit in the nostrils. Best for low to moderate flow (1-6 LPM).
• Simple Face Mask: Covers the nose and mouth. Used for 5-10 LPM.
• Non-Rebreather Mask: Includes a reservoir bag; used for high concentrations (10-15 LPM).
• Venturi Mask: Allows for precise FiO2 delivery (e.g., exactly 24%, 28%, or 40%), often used in COPD.

Storage and Safety:

• Keep oxygen at least 5-10 feet away from open flames, gas stoves, or candles.
• Never smoke while using oxygen or near someone using it.
• Store cylinders in an upright position in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid using oil-based lotions or petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) on the face, as these are flammable in oxygen-rich environments.

If you are on long-term oxygen therapy and miss a period of use, resume your prescribed flow rate as soon as possible. Do not 'double up' the flow rate to make up for lost time. Prolonged absence from prescribed oxygen can lead to strain on the heart and brain.

Oxygen 'overdose' is known as oxygen toxicity. It occurs when a patient breathes high concentrations (usually >60%) for extended periods. Symptoms include:

• Chest pain or burning sensation during inhalation.
• Uncontrolled coughing.
• Muscle twitching or seizures (especially in hyperbaric settings).
• Visual changes or ringing in the ears.

In patients with chronic lung disease, too much oxygen can cause 'oxygen-induced hypercapnia,' where breathing slows down too much, leading to a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide. If you feel excessively sleepy, confused, or have a severe headache, seek emergency medical attention.

> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your flow rate without medical guidance.

Most side effects of oxygen therapy are related to the drying effect of the gas on the mucous membranes. These include:

• Nasal Dryness: The constant flow of gas can strip moisture from the nasal passages, leading to discomfort.
• Throat Irritation: Patients may experience a dry, scratchy throat or a persistent dry cough.
• Skin Irritation: The plastic tubing (nasal cannula) can cause pressure sores or redness behind the ears and on the cheeks.
• Epistaxis (Nosebleeds): Dryness can cause the delicate blood vessels in the nose to crack and bleed.

• Headache: Particularly if the flow rate is not properly adjusted for the patient's needs.
• Ear Discomfort: Changes in pressure, especially during high-flow therapy, can cause a 'clogged' feeling in the ears.
• Chest Heaviness: Some patients report a sensation of tightness when first starting high-concentration oxygen.

• Oxygen Toxicity (Pulmonary): Prolonged exposure to high FiO2 can cause inflammation in the lungs, leading to pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
• Absorption Atelectasis: High concentrations of oxygen can wash out nitrogen from the alveoli, causing them to collapse.
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): In neonates, excessive oxygen can cause abnormal blood vessel growth in the eyes, potentially leading to blindness.

> Warning: Stop taking Oxygen and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.

• Severe Confusion or Lethargy: This may indicate carbon dioxide retention (hypercapnia), especially in COPD patients. The 'hypoxic drive' to breathe may be suppressed by too much oxygen.
• Seizures: Usually associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy or extremely high pressures.
• Severe Shortness of Breath: If oxygen therapy is not relieving breathlessness, it may indicate a worsening underlying condition like a pulmonary embolism or heart failure.
• Signs of Fire Injury: Any burns to the face or respiratory tract due to accidental ignition of the oxygen source.

Prolonged use of high-concentration oxygen (above 50-60%) can lead to permanent lung damage, including pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung tissue). However, for patients on standard low-flow home oxygen (1-3 LPM), the benefits of preventing heart failure (cor pulmonale) and brain hypoxia generally far outweigh the risks of long-term side effects. Chronic use can also lead to a psychological dependence on the device.

There are currently no FDA Black Box Warnings for medical oxygen. However, there are strict regulatory warnings regarding its status as a high-pressure gas and an oxidizer. The primary 'warning' is the extreme risk of fire and explosion if used near heat sources or combustible materials.

Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. If you notice your skin or lips turning blue (cyanosis) despite using oxygen, this is a medical emergency.

Oxygen is not flammable itself, but it is an 'oxidizer,' meaning it makes everything else burn much faster and hotter. A spark that would normally go out can turn into a life-threatening fire in an oxygen-rich environment. Patients must be educated on fire safety before starting home therapy.

No FDA black box warnings for Oxygen.

• Fire and Combustion Risk: This is the most significant risk. Patients must never smoke, use e-cigarettes, or be near open flames while using oxygen. This includes gas stoves, fireplaces, and even some motorized toys that might spark.
• CO2 Retention (Hypercapnia): In certain patients with chronic lung disease, the body's drive to breathe is triggered by low oxygen levels rather than high CO2 levels. Providing too much oxygen can 'turn off' this drive, leading to respiratory failure.
• Paraquat Poisoning: Oxygen is strictly contraindicated in cases of Paraquat (a herbicide) ingestion, as it significantly accelerates lung injury and death.
• Bleomycin Toxicity: Patients who have received the chemotherapy drug Bleomycin are at a much higher risk of developing oxygen-induced lung injury, even years after their treatment.

Patients on oxygen therapy require regular monitoring to ensure the treatment is both safe and effective:

• Pulse Oximetry (SpO2): A non-invasive clip on the finger to check oxygen levels. Patients should know their target range.
• Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs): A blood test taken from an artery to measure the exact partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2), as well as blood pH.
• Skin Assessment: Regular checks for pressure ulcers behind the ears and in the nostrils.
• Equipment Checks: Concentrators need filter cleanings, and tanks need to be checked for leaks.

Oxygen therapy itself does not impair the ability to drive. However, the underlying condition requiring oxygen (such as severe lung disease) may cause fatigue or dizziness. Additionally, portable oxygen tanks must be secured in the vehicle to prevent them from becoming projectiles in an accident.

Alcohol is a respiratory depressant. Combining alcohol with oxygen therapy in patients with severe lung disease can increase the risk of hypoventilation (dangerously slow breathing) and CO2 buildup. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.

Do not stop using oxygen therapy abruptly if it was prescribed for a chronic condition. For patients with COPD, stopping oxygen can lead to acute right-sided heart failure and severe hypoxemia. Tapering is generally not required for the gas itself, but the underlying condition must be stable before oxygen is withdrawn.

> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Oxygen.

• Paraquat Ingestion: If a person has ingested the herbicide Paraquat, oxygen therapy should be avoided unless absolutely necessary for resuscitation. Oxygen promotes the formation of superoxide radicals that worsen Paraquat-induced lung fibrosis.

• Bleomycin: This chemotherapy agent can cause 'Bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity.' Exposure to high concentrations of oxygen, even long after Bleomycin treatment has ended, can trigger severe, potentially fatal lung inflammation. Surgeons and anesthesiologists must be informed if a patient has a history of Bleomycin use.
• Amiodarone: Used for heart rhythm disorders, amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity. High oxygen levels may potentiate this damage.
• Nitrofurantoin: Long-term use of this antibiotic can cause lung inflammation; oxygen therapy should be monitored closely in these patients.

• Respiratory Depressants (Opioids, Benzodiazepines): Drugs like morphine or alprazolam slow down breathing. While oxygen can treat the resulting low oxygen levels, it does not treat the high CO2 levels caused by these drugs, potentially masking a worsening respiratory state.

There are no known direct food interactions with medical oxygen. However, patients should avoid heavy meals that cause abdominal bloating, as this can push up on the diaphragm and make breathing more difficult, increasing the need for oxygen.

There are no documented interactions between oxygen and herbal supplements like St. John's Wort or Ginkgo Biloba. However, supplements that have sedative properties (e.g., Valerian root, Kava) should be used cautiously as they may depress the respiratory drive.

Oxygen therapy will directly affect Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) results. It is essential for the lab to know the FiO2 (concentration) the patient was receiving at the time the blood was drawn to interpret the results correctly. High oxygen levels can also occasionally interfere with certain electrochemical sensors used in glucose monitoring, though this is rare with modern equipment.

For each major interaction, the mechanism is usually related to oxidative stress. Oxygen facilitates the production of free radicals which, in the presence of certain drugs like Bleomycin, cause direct DNA damage to lung cells (pneumocytes). The clinical consequence is often rapid-onset respiratory failure. Management involves using the lowest possible oxygen concentration to maintain adequate saturation (usually SpO2 88-92%).

> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

There are very few absolute contraindications for oxygen, as it is essential for life. However, certain conditions make its use extremely dangerous:

• Paraquat Poisoning: As mentioned, oxygen acts as a catalyst for the toxic effects of Paraquat in the lungs. Unless the patient is in respiratory arrest, oxygen is withheld.
• Uncontrolled Fire Risk: Oxygen should not be administered in environments where open flames or smoking cannot be controlled.

These are conditions where the benefit must be carefully weighed against the risk:

• CO2 Retainers (Chronic Hypercapnia): In patients with advanced COPD or obesity hypoventilation syndrome, high-flow oxygen can lead to respiratory acidosis and coma. Oxygen must be titrated carefully to a target of 88-92%.
• Premature Infants: High oxygen levels are a known risk factor for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD). Oxygen must be strictly regulated using blenders to ensure the lowest effective dose.
• Ductal-Dependent Congenital Heart Disease: In certain newborns with heart defects, high oxygen levels can cause the ductus arteriosus to close prematurely, which may be life-threatening before surgery. Oxygen is used sparingly in these cases.

There is no cross-sensitivity for oxygen, as it is a naturally occurring element. However, some patients may be sensitive to the materials used in delivery devices, such as latex in certain masks or PVC in tubing. If a rash or irritation develops, 'latex-free' or 'medical-grade silicone' alternatives should be used.

> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Oxygen.

Oxygen is safe and essential during pregnancy. Maternal hypoxemia can lead to fetal distress, growth restriction, and preterm birth. There is no evidence that supplemental oxygen at standard therapeutic doses is teratogenic (causes birth defects). In fact, oxygen is frequently used during labor and delivery to treat fetal heart rate decelerations. It is classified as FDA Category A (safe when used as indicated).

Oxygen does not pass into breast milk in a way that would affect a nursing infant. It is entirely safe for breastfeeding mothers to use oxygen therapy as prescribed. Maintaining maternal oxygenation is vital for the mother's ability to care for her child.

Oxygen is widely used in pediatrics for conditions like bronchiolitis, asthma, and pneumonia. However, the 'safe' range for oxygen saturation in children is narrower than in adults. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), oxygen is treated with extreme caution to prevent oxygen-induced tissue damage. Pediatric delivery devices (smaller cannulas and masks) must be used to ensure proper fit and dead-space ventilation.

Elderly patients are the most frequent users of long-term oxygen therapy. Special considerations include:

• Skin Fragility: Older adults are at higher risk for skin tears and pressure sores from oxygen tubing.
• Cognitive Impairment: Patients with dementia may forget fire safety rules or struggle to manage portable tanks. Caregiver support is essential.
• Polypharmacy: While oxygen doesn't interact with many drugs, the conditions it treats often require multiple medications that can cause sedation.

No dose adjustment is needed. However, patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis may have fluid overload, which can lead to pulmonary edema and an increased need for supplemental oxygen.

No dose adjustment is needed. In rare cases of 'Hepatopulmonary Syndrome,' liver disease causes blood vessels in the lungs to dilate, leading to severe hypoxemia that requires high-flow oxygen therapy.

> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.

Oxygen's primary mechanism is the support of aerobic cellular respiration. It enters the mitochondria and acts as the final electron acceptor in the Cytochrome C Oxidase complex (Complex IV) of the electron transport chain. This allows for the maintenance of the proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane, which drives ATP synthase to produce ATP. Without sufficient oxygen, cells switch to anaerobic glycolysis, which produces significantly less energy and results in the buildup of lactic acid.

The relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and the saturation of hemoglobin (SaO2) is described by the Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve. This S-shaped curve shows that at high pressures, hemoglobin is fully saturated. As blood reaches tissues with lower oxygen levels, the curve shifts, allowing hemoglobin to release oxygen. Factors like temperature, pH (Bohr Effect), and CO2 levels influence how tightly hemoglobin holds onto oxygen.

| Parameter | Value |

|---|---|

| Bioavailability | 100% (Inhaled) |

| Protein Binding | 98% (to Hemoglobin) |

| Half-life | Seconds to Minutes |

| Tmax | Immediate |

| Metabolism | Cellular Respiration |

| Excretion | Exhaled as CO2 |

• Molecular Formula: O2
• Molecular Weight: 31.998 g/mol
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (plasma), approximately 0.003 mL of O2 per 100 mL of plasma per mmHg of PaO2.
• Structure: A diatomic molecule consisting of two oxygen atoms joined by a double bond.

Oxygen is classified as a Medical Gas. It is also considered a Respiratory Stimulant/Support Agent. Within the context of the provided data, it may be grouped under various allergenic or contrast EPCs due to administrative mapping, but its clinical utility is defined by its role in gas exchange and metabolic support.