Lack of Oxygen - Warning Signals For Oxygen Dependant Patients
Patients who depend on an external oxygen supply, whether it is with oxygen tanks (liquid or compressed oxygen) or with an oxygen concentrator, are very conscious of their situation. In a reasonably short period of time patients who must have supplemental oxygen become experts in the use of their oxygen units.
After a time of daily oxygen usage and continuos checking of the flow rate and oxygen saturation it is very easy to fall into the trap of doing things automatically and then if there is a reduced flow for whatever reason, there is the risk of not noticing it. Setting things up automatically could raise the risk of lack of oxygen as concentration levels are down. 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.It is far easier today to check oxygen saturation thanks to the available pulse oximeters. Learn about the warning signs and then react accordingly.
Lack of Oxygen - Six Signs
1. If you observe the lips or finger nails have taken on a blue or purplish color.
2. During speech another sign can be slurred words and incoherent sentences.
3. A lack of oxygen many times causes headaches.
4. Drowsiness is another warning sign of a potential lack of oxygen.
5. Irregular breath, be it shallow, slow, or breathlessness.
6. If the patient is feeling anxiety, this could mean a lack of oxygen.
When any of this signs are present, and even more so if more than one is observable, use the pulse oximeter and check the oxygen saturation levels.Many times those who can do most good don’t know of these signals so help educate them so they can recognize symptoms of lack of oxygen. 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 fro someone close by will definitely help.