4 Very Common Myths About Oxygen Therapy

4 Very Common Myths About Oxygen Therapy

When people think about oxygen therapy, they likely think of individuals with last-stage respiratory diseases who require it to stay alive. But there are other conditions and reasons to ask your doctor about oxygen therapy. First, let’s eliminate some of the misconceptions and apprehensions regarding this practice and its uses. Here are four very common myths about oxygen therapy.

Myth 1: Oxygen Is Strictly for the Severely Ill and Dying

Oxygen therapy has a long history and has been used to treat a panoply of diseases and conditions. While this therapy benefits those in critical care units or who are at the end stages of different chronic diseases, it has a role beyond these applications. Oxygen therapy can assist with everything from cystic fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension to sleep apnea and COVID-19 recovery. In short, oxygen therapy has helped with an assortment of illnesses. And implementing oxygen therapy earlier on can also help maintain health and slow down or prevent damage.

Myth 2: Oxygen Dependency Is Possible

While we’re all dependent on oxygen to live, some patients are afraid of becoming overly dependent on oxygen therapy and its attendant machinery, therefore reducing their ease and quality of life. However, oxygen therapy can improve life and one’s ability to function independently. No evidence exists showing that the body will become dependent on oxygen therapy to function.

Myth 3: Oxygen Therapy Can Hold One Back

The idea of walking around with an oxygen tank or needing to spend time in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber seems limiting. An oxygen tank may seem as cumbersome as an anchor, presenting the image of being weighed down. Feeling that oxygen therapy makes one appear weak is another concern. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Great strides in oxygen therapy technology contributed to today’s lightweight, portable, and convenient options. Patients enjoy greater freedom in their movements and ability to get around.

Myth 4: It’s Dangerous

While concentrated oxygen does require safety measures to handle, oxygen therapy is not dangerous in and of itself. Implementing strict safety standards reduces worries about oxygen igniting or exploding, and patients should receive thorough instructions regarding the proper use of the equipment before starting. With common sense and education, oxygen therapy is no more or less dangerous than any other tool or practice.

Those are four very common myths about oxygen therapy. In truth, oxygen therapy can reduce shortness of breath and fatigue, aid in sleep, and promote a more active lifestyle overall. Talk to your doctor or other health professional about the benefits of oxygen therapy for your condition.

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