Within the European Union: There is an agreement that people from the UK will able to access oxygen supplies in the same way as local residents. This does not mean that it will be free – if a local resident has to pay a fee then so will you. To access this you will require: […]
You may find you have a dry mouth from time to time. Using oxygen, nebulisers and inhalers can sometimes cause this. It can make it difficult to chew and swallow foods. Some medicines can also give you a dry mouth. Check with your GP if this is a problem for you. If you are struggling […]
Outside the European Economic Area: If you use oxygen you will need to arrange your own oxygen using a private supplier. This can be expensive. You will need to do this for both travel and at your destination.
Are you fit enough to travel? What medications you need, and how they should be transported. Do you need any vaccinations? Do you have adequate travel and medical insurance? Is your preferred destination & accommodation going to meet your needs? How will you get there? Do you need oxygen while away? Have you considered possible […]
You, your asthma team and your midwifery team should work together to help you during your pregnancy. You may need additional check ups such as lung function tests, spirometry or peak flow tests. You may also be offered additional checks for your baby such as ultrasound scans and checks for your baby’s movements and position. […]
Home oxygen is usually prescribed for a minimum of 15 hours a day. This sounds like a lot but if used overnight it may give you some oxygen free time during the day. Do Don’t Do keep nose and mouth healthy. Drink at least 6 to 8 cups of water or juice to keep hydrated. […]
What happens then? Your GP will refer you to the respiratory team who will arrange for you to have an oxygen assessment . This is normally done over a few hours in hospital as a day patient. Part of it will be to measure your arterial blood gas, (ABG). This is a blood test which […]
Only people with chronically low levels of oxygen in the blood need home oxygen. A blood test is usually done to check your level accurately but a full oxygen assessment is required to decide if you may need home oxygen. Oxygen is like any medicine, it has to be prescribed for you. Common signs that […]
Oxygen is vital to everyone, not just people with respiratory problems. Only certain people with COPD will need home oxygen therapy. *This situation affects some patients with severe COPD – measuring oxygen saturations when you are stable is a good screening test; a specific oxygen assessment is indicated if stable oxygen saturations are below normal. […]
Many people experiencing an exacerbation of their COPD will be able to have their treatment at home. However, if your GP is worried about you they may arrange for you to go into hospital. You need to be in hospital if your oxygen levels are low, or you are really breathless and not managing at […]
