Learn about the different types of oxygen therapy-Lovego Weekly Report

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Learn about the different types of oxygen therapy

“You need oxygen therapy,” your doctor says. And you can’t answer, because in the first pace, you’re stumped at what oxygen therapy really means. If you’re a COPD patient but still need help figuring out what all the prescriptions and doctor recommendations are, then this article can help you get to learn about oxygen therapy and the four different types.

Oxygen therapy is recommended for COPD patients and those who have breathing problems, but a certain type or duration of therapy may be called for in certain situations. This article will talk about these four different types, when they are used, and their differences from each other.

Acute oxygen therapy
Acute, or short-term, oxygen therapy is commonly used in hospitals and clinics in cases where the patient has hypoxemia. This means that there is a very low amount of oxygen in the blood, resulting from various conditions that prevent adequate oxygen from reaching the blood. Signs of hypoxemia are usually shortness of breath and a very low arterial blood gas (the measurement of oxygen taken from arterial blood).

In COPD patients, acute exacerbations or attacks can be treated with acute oxygen therapy, along with other medications like bronchodilators, steroids or antibiotics.

Long-term oxygen therapy
Long-term oxygen therapy, or LTOT, is among the most important treatments for COPD patients with chronic hypoxemia. It is used in the home care setting and is intended to provide patients with a continuous oxygen supply. Studies have found that LTOT increases the survival of COPD patients, especially those who are more severely affected.

Once LTOT is prescribed to COPD patients, it is usually lifelong, with current guidelines recommending it to be given at least 15 hours a day. It is administered especially at night, when oxygen levels may go lower as breathing may be more difficult during sleep.

Aside from being able to maintain adequate oxygen levels, long term oxygen therapy has been found to reduce the damage to the lungs and blood vessels brought about by COPD. It can also improve patients’ breathing dynamics, increase tolerance for physical activity and exercise, and even improve neurophysiological responses.

Ambulatory oxygen therapy
Ambulatory oxygen therapy is a type of oxygen therapy intended for patients who are already on LTOT but wish to go outside of the home. It is also intended for those with COPD who experience exercise desaturation or dyspnea during physical activity but benefit from oxygen administration.

This type of therapy consists of lighter equipment that can be carried whenever the patient has to go outside the home, for instance, during grocery shopping, going for check-ups, doing leisure activities or attending social events. Simply put, ambulatory oxygen is for patients who are more mobile outdoors.

Ambulatory oxygen therapy is only intended for short-term use, thus should not be too frequently offered to patients who depend on LTOT.

Short-burst oxygen therapy
Short burst oxygen therapy, or SBOT, is the occasional use of supplemental oxygen for short periods of about 10-20 minutes duration. It is primarily used to relieve breathlessness in COPD patients, especially following exercise or physical activity, when other medications or treatments are not effective. Though studies have not found any concrete evidence of benefit from SBOT, its use is still widely prescribed for pre-oxygenation before any physical activity, breathlessness after physical exertion or even at rest, and in COPD exacerbations until LTOT or acute oxygen therapy can be given.

SBOT is different from ambulatory oxygen therapy in that it is used only during periods of breathlessness or anticipation of dyspnea, while ambulatory oxygen therapy is the continuous administration of oxygen during physical activity or when the patient is mobile.

Being acquainted with these various types of oxygen therapy can help you understand which types are more appropriate in certain settings and why your doctor may recommend a particular type for you.

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Dealing with Stage 4 COPD-LoveGo Weekly Report

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Dealing with Stage 4 COPD

Have you been diagnosed with COPD, and have the doctor say that it’s Stage 4? This diagnosis usually comes with fear, denial and even depression. But before you start feeling downcast and ruminating over your life, give this article a read first.

As you may know, COPD has four stages. Stage 1 is the mildest, while Stage 4 is said to be the most severe. The ability to breathe becomes more challenging with each passing stage, along with symptoms that become more difficult to manage. As you may also know, each stage is diagnosed depending on the FEV1, or the forced expiratory volume in one second. This test reflects how your lungs are functioning and, according to Healthline, is a measure of how much air you can release in the first second of a forced breath.

Though various organizations have different ways of classifying and describing each stage, Stage 4 is most usually termed as the most severe, with many patients becoming very ill at this point. Yet despite these diagnoses, a huge number of patients with Stage 4 have lived way beyond the life expectancy given to them by their doctors, and have continued to function well while dealing with their condition. Community forums and patient testimonies have clearly shown that Stage 4 COPD patients can continue to alter the course of the disease. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with Stage 4 COPD, there are many things you can do defy COPD.

· Manage medications smartly. With a diagnosis of Stage 4, your doctor may have more medications prescribed. Take your medications religiously, and ask for help in keeping track of them. Sometimes, various medications are required depending on the symptoms being experienced. Ask a loved one to help in managing these medications. It’s also a good idea to get close to a nurse or someone from the medical team to assist in setting up a medications schedule that is easy to follow. They can also answer your questions about medications anytime you have some. Another tip here is to ask for devices that are easier to use, such as a spacer to help in administering inhaled medications.

· Take steps toward quality rest. This stage presents more difficulty in getting quality sleep. As breathing becomes harder, restorative sleep also becomes more difficult to attain. Rest whenever you can, and stop whatever you are doing whenever you feel fatigued. You can also talk to your doctor to learn about techniques that can help you sleep better. You can also opt for an adjustable bed, or simply add more pillows to make it easier for you to breathe with lesser effort.

· Choose to exercise. Though exercise may be more difficult at this stage, it is also the point where it is most important. At this stage, just a small amount of physical activity can become overwhelming and even exhaustive. There are ways, however, to minimize discomfort and promote exercise. Mobility devices, for instance, can help in walking around, since they provide something to lean on and share the weight. Many of these devices also have baskets or areas where a portable oxygen device can be placed. You can also opt for home exercise equipment that you can use with your loved ones while watching TV or simply bonding.

· Know what to expect. Stage 4 comes with more flare-ups, difficulty in coughing up phlegm, and increasingly challenging symptoms. Preparing in advance for flare-ups by having emergency medications handy can help ease the stress on you and your loved ones. Knowing what supplies to have and what has to be done will allow you and your loved ones to smoothly handle any difficult situations. It’s also a good idea to have a hospital bag ready to just grab up anytime a trip to the hospital is needed, along with a handy list of medications and important medical information.

· Choose the best oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy can greatly improve quality of life, allowing you to enjoy each day better. It also allows less difficulty in physical activity, promoting involvement in everyday activities and even exercise, like using oxygen concentrators. It’s also best to get the best training in handling and using your equipment. Make sure that all your questions about your oxygen therapy equipment are answered, and that you have replacement parts readily available like tubing and batteries.

· Adapt a positive attitude. This, by far, is the most important thing you can do. A positive attitude and the will to make the necessary changes in your life can be the start of having improvements in your COPD symptoms. Many Stage 4 COPD patients have continued to live fulfilling lives and defying life expectancy predictions with the resolve and willpower that they will get better. Know that you have the power to alter the course of your COPD, thus, taking charge of your health is the key. Working with your loved ones, your doctor, and the medical team, along with taking active steps to manage symptoms and live your best life, can have a great impact on your perspective toward your condition.


With all the uncertainties surrounding Stage 4 COPD, many patients have persevered and functioned at their best. Taking an active stand and implementing the tips above can give you the lead against your COPD.

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Have a loved one newly diagnosed with COPD?-Lovego Weekly Report

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Have a loved one newly diagnosed with COPD?

New medications, treatment goals, changes in activity and alterations in routine—all these can be quite stressful for a newly diagnosed COPD patient. It’s a good thing there are family members and loved ones around to provide support for the patient.

If your loved one is newly diagnosed with COPD, you have to do what you can to help the patient ease into all of the changes needed. Though it may be challenging for the entire family, there are many things you can do to help ensure that the patient will be at his or her most comfortable. Below are some tips you can follow if your loved one has just been diagnosed with COPD.

· Learn as much as you can about the condition. It’s best that everyone close to the patient knows and understands the disease. This helps reinforce the patient’s knowledge about his or her condition, as well as helps everyone adjust to the needed changes in the patient’s lifestyle and around the home. Look up disease information on the internet. Talk to the doctor about treatment goals and what can be done to help slow disease progression and lessen complications. Get acquainted with your loved one’s medications and possible symptoms of acute attacks, so you know what to do whenever an emergency occurs. Coping with COPD needs adjustments not just from the patient but also from all the people close to him or her.

· Provide emotional support. Being newly diagnosed, your loved one is probably coping with various emotions ranging from worry to despair. Show that you are available whenever they need to talk to someone about their feelings and concerns. Encourage him or her by staying optimistic and doing things he or she loves. Spend more time together and do fun activities that help take their mind off the symptoms and stressful changes. If you don’t live with them, staying in constant contact and checking in on them regularly will make them feel cared for. Being present, both physically and emotionally, will have a great impact on their well-being, especially at this stressful time.

· Help around the house. Being present around the home and offering to help with chores and other activities can also be a great way to show support. Rearranging the furniture, removing irritants like cleaning solutions and dust, and enforcing a no smoking rule around the house is also important. Ask them what other things are needed to be done, and volunteer to do them. Remember that COPD patients are easily prone to fatigue, so whatever tasks you can help with around the house can mean a lot to them.

· Attend doctor’s appointments with them. If no one else can go with them to doctor’s appointments, it’s imperative that you go with them, especially if you plan to be their primary caregiver. Listen to what the doctor says, take note of new medications, and pay attention when the doctor demonstrates how to use any equipment. The patient may not remember everything the doctor said, and you being there can help them remember. This is also your chance to ask questions from the physician or other health care professionals. Asking a lot of questions about the patient’s condition, treatments and COPD care can be very helpful for both you and the patient. Aside from this, your presence at any doctor’s appointments can ease any apprehensions and anxiety the patient has about his condition, making them feel more confident to ask questions concerning their health.

Caring for a COPD patient and adjusting to their needs may take some time to get used to. But remember that being there for your loved one means a lot, especially at this time when the patient may be feeling anxious about his or her condition. Getting to know about COPD and supporting your loved one physically and emotionally can have a significant impact on their quality of life.

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Easy Cleaning tips around the home-Lovego weekly Report

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Easy Cleaning tips around the home

We all know that cleaning the house stirs up dust and dirt that can worsen COPD and its symptoms. Along with these, some cleaning solutions are hazardous for respiratory health, too. This is why a lot of COPD patients shy away from household cleaning. Some COPD patients have someone, like a cleaning lady, help with the house cleaning. However, if you are short on a budget, or if you just have a small space that you think you can clean easily, it may be a good idea to try doing the cleaning if you think you are well enough to do it. Other COPD patients only get a cleaning lady for general or major household cleaning (such as once every 1-2 months) while they themselves maintain the cleanliness of their home every few days.

Though cleaning and tidying the house may look like a humongous challenge for people with COPD, this need not be the case. Here are some tips you can follow to help you keep your home spotless and dirt-free without the dreadful respiratory effects on your health.

Use “green” household cleaning solutions.
A lot of household cleaning solutions contain harmful chemicals like ammonia, bleach and lye that can cause irritation to the lungs. Many COPD patients have experienced increased coughing, lung irritations, and even a burning sensation in their lungs upon inhalation of these household products. Sometimes, even a hint of the smell can cause coughing fits in some patients. This said, such cleaners containing harmful irritants should strictly be banned from the house. Instead, use “green” cleaning solutions, like those that use baking soda, vinegar or other organic cleaners that are labelled environmentally safe. You may also make your own household cleaners using rubbing alcohol, dishwashing soap, and a bit of water. Other cleaning formulas also call for baking soda and white vinegar.

Always wear a mask!
This is a must when doing any household cleaning. Any amount of cleaning is apt to stir up dirt and dust, so to be on the safe side, always, always wear a mask—and not just any mask. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specify that you have to use a mask with a rating of N95. These masks have been certified by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and are the safest to use to prevent dust and other irritant particles from being inhaled.

Use a damp cloth.
Many COPD patients report that they are able to clean almost anything in their homes by using a damp cloth. This damp cloth efficiently picks up dust from almost anywhere, thus preventing the dust from flying around. A microfiber cloth dampened with an organic cleaning solution made up of vinegar, water and dishwashing detergent can effectively do the trick. Having more than one damp cloth can make cleaning more convenient so you won’t have to keep on rinsing off the dirt from a single cloth.

No aerosols whatsoever.
Many cleaning solutions also come in the form of aerosols, which seem to be more convenient to spray on during cleaning. Patients who have COPD, however, should not, in any case, use aerosols around the house or elsewhere. Aerosol particles are very tiny, and can easily be inhaled into the lungs, causing irritation and shortness of breath. You also have to inform your family and anyone who frequents your home (such as the cleaning lady or repairmen) that aerosols, as well as other volatile cleaning solvents, are not allowed inside.

Never clean in a closed room.
To help ease up the dirt and some of the smells during cleaning, always air out the room or area you are cleaning. Open the windows and keep the door ajar to help freshen up the area. This also helps make clean air available for you to breathe and allows it to easily circulate through the house.

Aside from these tips, you should also prevent vacuuming, since it can stir up a lot of dust. There are some newer vacuums, however, that have more efficient filtering methods to keep the dust from escaping from the machine. Nevertheless, its always better (and safer!) if you can ask someone to vacuum for you. Stick to damp cloths and organic, unscented household cleaners, and you’ll surely do a great job.

Putting into practice some of these tips can help you keep your home clean, tidy and comfortable to stay in. What’s more, cleaning the home at your own pace can also be beneficial, giving you ample amount of activity throughout the day. After all that cleaning, you’ll surely feel better with the end result, because after all, a clean, dust-free house helps keep away respiratory symptoms, ultimately giving you more health and well-being!

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Optimizing your emotional health-Lovego Weekly Report

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Optimizing your emotional health

Hello! How are you feeling today?

If you have COPD, it’s a must to check that your physical health is optimal. Your oxygen levels are stable, you aren’t feeling too fatigued, and are well enough to go about your day. However, you also have to check on how you’re feeling emotionally.

Having COPD doesn’t mean that your emotional health should take a back seat. In fact, various studies have found that emotional health is very much linked to physical health, and those who are doing well emotionally tend to feel more energized and have less physical symptoms.

Due to various lifestyle changes and the inability to perform previous activities, COPD patients have been found to be more prone to depression and anxiety. Studies have observed that people affected with COPD are 45 percent more prone to depression, as compared with only 15 percent of the general population. This, however, doesn’t have to be your reality.

There’s a lot you can do to stay healthy emotionally. Once you understand the possible emotional effects of COPD, you can choose to do something about these. Whenever you feel down or anxious, know that these are normal reactions to the changes you’ve had to adapt in your life. Here are a few ways to change your outlook and keep your emotional health at an optimal level.

Stay socially active. Though you probably spend more time at home than before, having COPD is not an excuse to forget your friends and acquaintances. Schedule a meet-up with your friends at least once every 1-2 weeks. Don’t always turn down invitations to birthdays, weddings and special celebrations. If you aren’t feeling well, you can always give your host a same-day notice that you can’t make it. They’ll understand. Go on coffee dates, dinners, or simple get-togethers like a barbecue or a football game. No matter how simple, going out with friends and family can have a large impact on your overall well-being. As long as you take all the necessary precautions, like making sure the venue is not too polluted and requires only minimal physical activity to get there, you can still enjoy spending time with those who support you and are there for you. An alternative to going out with friends? Have them come over and bring some potluck dishes to your place!

Seek support from others who have COPD. There’s nothing like talking to people who can understand how you’re feeling. Some hospitals have COPD support groups that you can join. There are also a lot of active COPD communities online with forums and discussion rooms. Simply talking and getting advice from people who are going through the same issues as you can be very enlightening. A plus here is that you’ll get to meet and bond with new people too!

Keep a journal. If you’re fond of writing, you most probably have a journal or notebook where you jot down whatever you’re feeling, both physically and emotionally. If you don’t have one yet, it’s about time you get one for yourself. Even if you’re not a writer or aren’t keen on writing, having a notebook to write down your symptoms, express your feelings, and make sense of things can be a good form of therapy. You’ll also be more aware of your condition, helping you keep track of symptoms or patterns, and more easily identify problems and triggers based on what you’ve written down. This can help you avoid certain triggers or situations in the future. Regular journal writing also helps relieve any tension and anxiety by providing an outlet to your feelings and helping you sort them out. If you really aren’t the type to get a hold of pen and paper, you can also go for an online journal or blog (which you can opt to keep private) or even a sound recorder where you can just voice out and record a narration of your feelings, symptoms, and your day in general.

Aside from these few tips, having a home that is comfortable and conducive to relaxation will significantly help, along with the presence of family and friends. Remember, the emotions you’re going through are normal, but, you can choose what to feel.


Every day, choose to feel happy and healthy, and you will be!

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Email: service@oxygencare.cn

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Music therapy can help COPD symptoms-Lovego Weekly Report

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Music therapy can help COPD symptoms

Do you love music? Well, you may just be able to take your musical fancy to the next level and have it treat your COPD, too!

A new study published last December 2015 in the Respiratory Medicine journal showed that music therapy was able to improve the health of COPD patients. In the study, 68 patients with chronic debilitating respiratory conditions, including COPD, were treated with weekly sessions of music therapy.

Music therapy, as defined by musictherapy.org, is the “clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.” This therapeutic relationship involves the participation of the patient and the expertise of a professional music therapist. Music therapists have undergone intensive training under music therapy programs and receive credentials to be able to practice.

Simply put, music therapy consists of several sessions where a music therapist helps treat a patient’s condition with the use of certain techniques involving music. Over the course of treatment, a patient has to attend several sessions, which may include live music, wind instrument playing, visualization and singing. A good side here for COPD sufferers is that breath control techniques are incorporated, which can significantly help in the easier management of symptoms.

The study, performed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel (MSBI) in New York, ran for a period of six weeks. After the experimental period, the researchers observed that those patients who received music therapy in addition to the usual medication and treatment had a significant improvement in their respiratory symptoms. These patients also reported a better quality of life and improved psychological well-being, as compared to patients who only received conventional treatment and rehabilitation.

These results suggest that COPD patients can greatly benefit from music therapy when used in conjunction with conventional treatment methods. The study also says that music therapy allows patients to express themselves more freely, making them more confidently engaged in managing their condition. It has also allowed them to more easily cope with the tasks and challenges they experience.

Today, managing chronically ill patients is taking a different approach. This approach is one that seeks to fully understand a patient’s overall needs and consider many other aspects such as culture, perceptions, and motivations. A good understanding of these can lead to the use of methods that significantly enhance a patient’s quality of life. Music therapy is one such method that is now recognized as part of an integrated, wholesome approach in the management and rehabilitation of patients with chronic respiratory conditions.

Aside from its value in respiratory medicine, music therapy has also been found to be an effective addition in the management of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, chronic pain, diabetes and even cardiac conditions.

If you want to give music therapy a try, you can ask your physician about it. He can then give you a referral to the nearest music therapy practitioner.

Well what are you waiting for? Let’s get those singing voices on!

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Medications to avoid for COPD patients-Lovego Weekly Report

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Medications to avoid for COPD patients

Having COPD means that you have to watch out for any triggers, like environmental pollutants in the home and changes in the weather. But did you know that you also have to use certain medications with caution?

Whenever you take a new medication, be it a prescription drug or an over-the-counter medicine, you first have to check that it doesn’t react with your COPD symptoms. Even simple medications that treat insomnia, treat allergies or suppress coughing can have an effect.

Below are some of these medications that you should use with caution.

1.Antihistamines – These are drugs used for treatment of allergies and itching. Among these are medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), chlorphenamine (Chlortrimeton®), brompheniramine, and clemastine (Travist®). These medications act by drying up secretions in the nose and airways. However, they also cause drowsiness along with a depression in breathing, so these have to be avoided. Some cough and cold medications may also contain these ingredients, so you’ll have to check first before taking any such medications.

2.Antitussives – These are drugs that suppress coughing. Examples of these are dextromethorphan and codeine. Though you may think of them as beneficial, note that coughing has an important role in clearing up your airways and removing phlegm and other secretions. If the coughing reflex is suppressed, airway secretions can make it more difficult to breathe. Additionally, keeping in these secretions can possibly lead to infections like pneumonia.

3.Beta-blockers – These are a group of medications used to treat hypertension and certain heart diseases. They may be harmful for COPD patients because they may interfere with COPD medications like albuterol. They can also cause bronchial spasms, and can severely restrict breathing. Examples of beta-blockers are propranolol (Inderal®) and nadolol (Corgard®), among others. If you are taking these medications, talk to your doctor immediately, but do not stop taking them until your doctor gives you a different medication for your high-blood pressure or heart disease.

4.Diuretics – Diuretics, or water pills, are another group of medications used to treat high-blood pressure, edema and heart failure. Such medications act to promote urination by flushing out water and electrolytes from the body. However, if you have COPD, staying hydrated is essential. Water is needed to thin airway secretions and prevent them from becoming too sticky. Thinner and more fluid secretions are much easier to cough out, so taking diuretics should be avoided. Some medications under this category are furosemide (Lasix®) and Spironolactone (Aldactone®).

5.Opiates and opioids – Drugs like codeine, morphine, hydrocodone (Vicodin®) and hydromorphone (Dilaudid®) are useful in treating pain, especially after surgery. These medications, however, have been known to cause respiratory depression. Using any of these, along with other drugs under the same category, should be avoided in patients with COPD.

6.Other drugs – There are some newer medications that have to be avoided because they have been found to worsen or aggravate COPD symptoms. Among them are abatacept (Orencia®), a drug used for rheumatoid arthritis, and zanamivir (Relenza®), an antiviral drug used to treat certain strains of influenza. These drugs should be avoided since they have been reported to cause bronchospasms and decreased lung function.

Remember to always talk to your doctor or pharmacist whenever you plan to take a new medication or do self-treatment. Avoiding the medications above and asking your doctor or pharmacist for a COPD-safe alternative can significantly help in keeping healthy and preventing any worsening of symptoms. Cheers to staying happy and healthy!

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Add: Building B, LC Hi-tech Park, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China