Discover how oxygen concentrators can alleviate asthma symptoms, including hypoxemia and heart strain. Learn about the benefits, precautions, and how to choose the right oxygen concentrator for asthma patients.
Does boost oxygen can affect asthma?
Yes, Boost Oxygen can assist individuals with asthma by supplying additional oxygen to the lungs during an asthma attack. However, excessive oxygen intake may be harmful, particularly for those with severe asthma.
How oxygen affect asthma
Advantages of oxygen for asthma
During an asthma attack, airway constriction leads to reduced oxygen intake, and some patients may experience hypoxemia (decreased blood oxygen).
Proper oxygen inhalation can increase blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂), helping to relieve dyspnea and hypoxia symptoms.
- Reducing the burden on the heart:
Low oxygen levels can increase the burden on the heart, especially in elderly asthma patients or those with cardiovascular diseases.
Additional oxygen supply can reduce heart pressure and prevent complications.
Disadvantages of oxygen for asthma
High oxygen may aggravate CO₂ retention (applicable to patients with severe asthma)
Some patients with severe asthma (especially those with COPD) may have carbon dioxide retention problems.
Excessive oxygen inhalation may inhibit respiratory drive, leading to increased CO₂ levels and respiratory acidosis.
Does not solve the fundamental problem:
Oxygen can only temporarily increase blood oxygen, but cannot relieve airway inflammation or bronchoconstriction, so it cannot replace bronchodilators or hormone therapy.
Effects of oxygen supplementation on asthma: Depends on severity and individual condition
The effect of adding oxygen to asthma patients depends on the severity of asthma and the current physiological state. Here are the key points:
Mild asthma patients usually do not need additional oxygen under normal circumstances, because their airway spasms can be relieved by bronchodilators and other drugs, and usually do not experience persistent hypoxia.
- Acute attacks and severe asthma:
In acute asthma attacks, severe inflammation and spasm of the airways may lead to airway obstruction and ventilation dysfunction, which in turn causes hypoxia. At this time, appropriate oxygen supplementation is necessary to maintain blood oxygen saturation at a safe level and prevent further complications such as myocardial hypoxia and cerebral hypoxia.
- Precautions for oxygen inhalation:
Although oxygen inhalation can relieve hypoxia caused by severe asthma, the oxygen flow must be carefully controlled. High concentrations of oxygen may increase airway responsiveness and lead to carbon dioxide retention, especially in patients with underlying respiratory failure, which may trigger apnea or worsening dyspnea.
- Individualized treatment:
Whether asthma patients need oxygen inhalation and the concentration of oxygen inhalation should be determined by the doctor based on the results of arterial blood gas analysis and clinical manifestations. Long-term high-flow oxygen inhalation may be detrimental to some patients and should be avoided.
- Humidification and warming:
When giving oxygen to asthma patients, ensure that the oxygen is properly humidified and warmed to reduce airway irritation, help sputum discharge, and prevent airway dryness and mucus plugging.
Oxygen inhalation is only part of asthma management. It is important to treat the root cause of asthma, including the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, avoidance of triggers, long-term disease control, and regular follow-up.
The effect of increasing oxygen on asthma is complex and needs to be adjusted according to the specific situation. It should not be decided by yourself but should follow the doctor's guidance.
How to choose an oxygen concentrator suitable for asthma patients
- Choose an oxygen concentrator with high-purity oxygen
Oxygen purity ≥ 90% (usually 93% ± 3%)
Asthma patients are sensitive to oxygen concentration. If it is lower than 90%, it may not be effective. If it is higher than 96%, it should be used with caution to avoid over-supply of oxygen.
Recommended: Oxygen concentrators with oxygen concentration monitoring function, such as Olive oxygen concentrators, to ensure stable oxygen supply.
Asthma patients usually need low-flow oxygen therapy (1-3L/min). Too high may cause carbon dioxide retention.
Recommended flow range:
Mild asthma: 1-2L/min
Moderate to severe asthma or acute attack: 2-3L/min (doctor's guidance required)
Choose a model with a precise adjustment function to facilitate control of oxygen intake.
- Humidification function to reduce airway irritation
Asthma patients’ airways are usually sensitive, and dry oxygen may irritate the bronchi, causing coughing or discomfort.
Recommended: Oxygen concentrators with humidification functions, such as built-in humidification bottles, can reduce airway dryness and improve oxygen comfort.
- Silent design to avoid affecting sleep
Asthma patients may need oxygen at night, so choose a model with a noise level of ≤45dB to avoid affecting their rest.
- Easy to carry, suitable for long-term management
Home or portable?
Home oxygen concentrator (suitable for long-term management, more stable flow)
Portable oxygen concentrator (POC) (suitable for outdoor use)
If you need to use it outdoors, it is recommended to choose a lightweight portable oxygen concentrator
Olive oxygen concentrator
Olive's best 5-liter quiet oxygen concentrator offers ultimate home oxygen therapy. High-efficiency HEPA filter purifies air to 0.3μm, ensuring optimal comfort and quality. With OLV-5S, breathe easy with a purified, contaminant-free oxygen supply at home.
Flow Range: 0-5L/min
Oxygen Concentration: 90%-96%
Warranty: 2 years
MOQ: 5PCS
Customizable Options Are Available
