How oxygen therapy helps with COPD — easing shortness of breath and improving sleep and activity — plus how to get started and use supplemental oxygen safely.

If you have COPD, oxygen therapy is one of the best treatments to control symptoms with COPD or other lung conditions. Oxygen levels may be lessened because it is more difficult to breathe. Our bodies need oxygen to survive, and oxygen therapy can improve the quality of life of those with COPD and make you more confident in managing your condition. So how does oxygen therapy help with COPD?

First, oxygen therapy cannot cure COPD, but it can help reduce symptoms, improve sleep, and make activity more enjoyable. If you experience shortness of breath and fatigue, supplemental oxygen can improve oxygen flow and deliver oxygen directly to the organs that need it. Increased oxygen can improve sleep and activity by raising the oxygen in your blood that is needed by the brain, muscles, and heart when sleeping or exercising. What does oxygen therapy look like? To get started, make sure you talk to your doctor to see if oxygen therapy is right for you and what guidelines you should follow.

Your doctor will be able to give you a certificate of medical necessity, which is what you'll need to get supplemental oxygen. Next, find an oxygen supplier who will order and deliver your oxygen to you. Lastly, you will need to learn how to use your oxygen device. Devices vary, so your supplier will teach you how to use the device safely — follow their directions. Supplemental oxygen should only be used as prescribed by your doctor.

Similar to medication, you can use a pulse oximeter to measure your oxygen levels and make sure you are using the right amount. How do you use oxygen safely? To use oxygen safely, be sure to follow your doctor's and device company's guidelines. Some general safety tips to follow are: make sure you are not smoking actively or have smoke around the home; keep oxygen away from heat and flames; avoid flammable substances like sprays, alcohol, and oils; store oxygen upright and turn oxygen devices off after use; and have a plan for emergencies, including having a fire extinguisher and backup oxygen tanks.

Oxygen therapy can be a short-term or long-term treatment, depending on the severity of the condition. It can be a difficult lifestyle change when you start to use oxygen. As a reminder, it can be helpful to have family, friends, or caregivers who can support you and help you along the way. Oxygen therapy reduces symptoms and improves the quality of life for those with lung disease.

Your care management team is here to help you feel confident in managing your condition. If you have any questions, you can chat with your care manager in the Movn app. Thank you for watching "Oxygen Therapy for COPD."