When the lungs are unable to function effectively to supply oxygen to the body, you may need oxygen therapy. The treatment is very useful for ensuring the proper functioning of the body's cells and tissues, but has some side effects. A common complication is dryness of the nose and throat. If you want to avoid these symptoms read on.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Understanding Oxygen Therapy
Step 1. Know when oxygen therapy is useful
Whenever the lungs cannot absorb enough oxygen for the body, your doctor may prescribe this therapy for you. Pathologies that compromise lung function and require oxygen therapy include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (usually due to smoking), chronic asthma, interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, and heart failure.
To determine if you need oxygen therapy, your doctor can measure the partial pressure of oxygen in your blood (PaO2). If your PaO2 is below 7.3 kPa (55 mmHg) you need to undergo therapy. A PaO2 between 7.3 and 7.8 kPa (55-59 mmHg) and other symptoms of insufficient oxygenation (swelling of the legs, increased red blood cells, pulmonary hypertension or an altered mental state, for example) also indicate that you need to undergo 'oxygen therapy
Step 2. Understand how it is administered
Depending on your circumstances, you can receive therapy either in a hospital setting or, if you have a chronic condition, at home. There are three basic methods for providing oxygen:
- With face mask. In this type of oxygen therapy, you wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and oxygen is given to you through this.
- With nasal cannula. Small tubes are placed in the nostrils and oxygen is administered through them.
- With a transtracheal tube. An incision is made in the skin and a tube is inserted directly into the trachea to deliver oxygen.
Step 3. Evaluate the possible side effects
If you undergo this therapy, it is very likely that you will develop dryness in the nose, mouth and throat. In addition, nosebleeds, headaches, fatigue, infections and skin irritation may occur. Do not let these side effects prevent you from receiving the oxygen therapy you need. Many of these, including dry nose and throat, can be avoided.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Dry Nose and Throat
Step 1. Use a built-in humidifier
The primary cause of dry nose and throat is a lack of moisture. With a humidifier you can solve the problem. Humidifiers can be inserted directly into the oxygen system; in fact, the oxygenation circuit could already foresee it. In this way the oxygen is moistened from the start, preventing dryness.
- The humidifier is more important if you use the transtracheal tube. If you are being given oxygen by other methods, the humidifier certainly does not hurt, but it is not necessary; alternatively you can use a saline nasal spray.
- Always use sterile or distilled water with the humidifier. Tap water can cause blockages or mineral deposits inside the tube.
- Change the tank water every one or two days. Once a week, completely clean the humidifier (together with the cannula, if applicable, and the rubber tube) with distilled water and soap. This prevents microorganisms from establishing themselves and infecting the respiratory tract.
Step 2. Add humidity to the room
In addition to the built-in humidifier, you can try using a room humidifier to add humidity to the room. These elements are especially useful during the night, when people tend to breathe through their mouth.
- Clean the humidifier regularly, at least once a week, to avoid the accumulation of dust and microorganisms.
- If you can't get one, you can use a kettle. Fill it with water and bring to a boil; the water vapor will come out of the nozzle humidifying the air. Repeat as needed.
Step 3. Keep the equipment in good condition
The tubes and nasal cannula must be kept in good condition to minimize side effects. In addition to regular cleaning, you must use water and a mild detergent to periodically clean these items. It is also necessary to replace the tubes and cannulas every six months.
Step 4. Try a lubricating gel
Jellies and other similar products can provide immediate relief for a dry and irritated nose and have soothing and moisturizing properties of the nasal mucosa. Aloe vera gel is really effective, as are many other water-soluble products. Your doctor or oxygen therapy technician can tell you the best lotion or conditioner to use. Whichever you decide to use, apply a thin layer to your upper lip and inside your nostrils, using a clean cotton swab. Repeat the operation two or three times a day.
- Be careful not to put too much of it and that it does not enter the cannula if this is the therapy technique you are using. Otherwise, you may cut off the flow of oxygen because the gelatin reduces the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Do not use petroleum-based products, such as petroleum jelly. They could cause a fire when used with oxygen cylinders.
Step 5. Apply sesame seed oil
This substance has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-viral properties and can soothe mucous membranes. Apply a thin layer of it in the nostrils and over the upper lip, using a clean cotton swab. Repeat two to three times a day.
Sesame seed oil is available in major health food stores
Step 6. Spray saline solution into your nose and throat
It is a product, which you can easily find in all pharmacies, which contains 0.9% sodium chloride solution, the same amount of body fluids and secretions. The spray allows to rehydrate the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Spray a little in each nostril every one or two hours (or as needed: the spray is safe to use as often as you want). Clean the nozzle with sterile gauze or tissue after each use.
If the salty sensation doesn't bother you, you can also spray it in the back of your throat
Step 7. Talk to your doctor about taking medications
If you can't find adequate solutions to avoid dry nose and throat, see your doctor. He or she may point out a nasal decongestant (such as oxymetazoline or xylometazoline), which you can spray every four to six hours.
