Oxygen therapy is a method of treatment based on the use of oxygen, which enters the body with the help of special equipment. Thanks to this, the blood and tissues are quickly saturated with oxygen, all organs and systems begin to function normally.
Lack of pure oxygen in the air is now a problem not only for the sick, but also for healthy people, and this is especially acute for residents of large cities.
Oxygen therapy helps to treat a wide range of diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as to prevent them, if you resort to this method as a preventive measure.
Indications
Oxygen therapy shows excellent results both in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases – and they are not always directly related to disorders of the respiratory system.
Therapy is used for the prevention of the following diseases:
- chronic oxygen deficiency;
- arthritis, osteoarthritis;
- allergy-induced suffocation;
- decompression sickness.
It is also recommended to resort to oxygen therapy for preventive purposes in the following cases:
- when it is necessary to adapt people to work or stay at an altitude of 4000 meters or more above sea level;
- if the person lives permanently in a metropolitan area, in a densely populated area (especially in the vicinity of large roads).
The method is used to treat conditions and diseases such as:
- hypoxia, which developed against the background of diseases of the respiratory or cardiovascular system;
- asthma;
- bronchitis;
- pneumonia;
- cystic fibrosis;
- alcohol intoxication;
- carbon monoxide poisoning;
- pulmonary edema, etc.
In addition, oxygen therapy is often prescribed as a rehabilitation measure after chemotherapy.
Contraindications
There are few absolute contraindications to oxygen therapy. They include hypercapnia and hypoventilation – these are quite rare conditions that arise due to lung problems associated with a sharp increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood.
When the patient is in this state, therapy is strictly forbidden, otherwise there is an increased risk of brain edema with severe consequences, up to lethal outcome.
Oxygen treatment is also prohibited if the patient has a pulmonary hemorrhage.
Methods of oxygen therapy
There are two main methods of oxygen therapy: inhalation and non-inhalation.
Inhalation is based on the fact that oxygen is supplied to the patient through the respiratory tract – for this purpose, nasal catheters and masks are used.
Non-inhalation method of treatment involves other ways of getting oxygen into the body – for example, subcutaneous, enteral, intravenous administration of oxygen-enriched drugs, etc.
Usually, not pure oxygen is used, but a mixture of oxygen, in which the concentration of oxygen can reach 85-90%.
The use of oxygen therapy: ways to treat hypoxia
The main way our body obtains oxygen is through the respiratory system, and most oxygen therapy techniques are aimed at stimulating lung function. Here are the main oxygen therapy techniques that are prescribed for hypoxia:
- Inhalations. These can be done with oxygen concentrators, masks or cannulas, or with cylinders, either invasively or non-invasively.
- Consumption of oxygen cocktails. According to the Soviet medic N. Sirotinin, oxygen can be assimilated not only through breathing, but also through the stomach. For this purpose oxygen cocktails were invented – drinks based on mors, juice or ordinary water, and saturated with oxygen with the help of concentrators.
- Oxygen baths, mesotherapy using oxygen-containing mixtures, other cosmetic procedures aimed at improving the supply of O2 to the skin.
- Walks in the fresh air, prolonged exercise at a low pace (aerobic exercise, such types of exercise as jogging, Nordic walking, swimming at a relaxed pace, etc. are well suited).
Oxygen therapy and beauty
Beauty salons offer many treatments that involve the administration of oxygen-based preparations. The result exceeds all expectations: beautiful and even skin color, the face is covered with a blush.
Oxygen is actively used for various manipulations:
- massages;
- spa treatments;
- weight loss programs;
- cosmetic therapy with O2.
In addition, oxygen helps to deeply hydrate the skin, improving its texture and tone. It activates blood circulation, helps to eliminate toxins and accelerates cell regeneration. This makes oxygen treatments effective in combating skin fatigue, stress and the first signs of aging.
Oxygen therapy and its effect on general health
Oxygen therapy is not only beneficial for the respiratory system, but also has a positive effect on the overall health of the body. It helps to improve metabolism, strengthen the immune system and increase energy levels. Due to active oxygenation of cells, all metabolic processes are improved, which leads to increased efficiency and improved general well-being.
For people experiencing chronic fatigue, stress and sleep disorders, oxygen therapy can be a real salvation. Saturating the body with oxygen helps to improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety levels, and strengthen the nervous system. It helps improve cognitive functions such as attention and memory, and helps you recover faster from physical and mental stress.
Conclusion
Oxygen therapy is an effective method that not only helps treat a variety of diseases, but also significantly improves the general condition of the body. Saturating cells with oxygen activates metabolic processes, strengthens the immune system and promotes recovery. In addition, oxygen therapy is actively used in cosmetology, having a powerful rejuvenating effect and improving the condition of the skin.
Timely use of oxygen therapy can help prevent many diseases associated with oxygen deficiency, as well as improve the quality of life of people living in polluted cities. It is important to remember that oxygen therapy is not only a treatment, but also an excellent preventive measure to keep your health and energy levels high. Regular use of this method can be an important part of taking care of your body and well-being.
