valm12 years ago

You would need to be tested to see if you require oxygen, they do blood gases, use a pulse oximeter to see what your oxygen saturation levels are this is usually done via a consultant - medical professional. If you are struggling with your breathing ask it about it Val

Relic12 years ago

Oxygen is not prescribed for breathing even if you are struggling do not expect any expert to use this criteria to determine your requirements for oxygen saturation.

smokless12 years ago

I have Emphysema ,and I started useing Oxygen about 18 months ago .having got over a chest infection I was still unable to breath ,so my breathing matron who comes to my home 4 weeky checked my Sats and then phoned the hospital and sorted out a oxygen test with the oxygen physio .I did a walking test with her and she put me on oxygen ,I also had blood gas's checked . My sats are fine while sitting but hit the floor when I stand so use oxygen then . We all have diffrent needs you may find that you dont need it which is why tests are done talk to your GP or breathing nurse is the best way to go .good luck jackie

Gordon5712 years ago

> when is oxygen required for emphysema ?

or, remove the first word... is oxygen required for emphysema ? Not in all cases. It's down to your GP/nurse/consultant to assess your individual requirement. They will decide if your need is severe enough to require oxygen therapy.

As with many COPD related questions, we're all different. It's not easy to give a stock answer on a question like this as we have no idea what degree of emphysema you have.

Good Scottish air may be just as beneficial unless you're struggling often

O2Trees12 years ago

Generally O2 will be prescribed if your blood oxygen levels desaturate to 88% or less (there may be exceptions) and this is more relevant to protecting your organs from damage caused by insufficient O2 in the blood than dealing with breathlessness. What causes this desaturation, and in what circumstances it occurs is what varies hugely from individual to individual.

I have severe emphysema yet I can do the 6min walk test fast without desaturating below 90%. Walking up hills I desaturate to about 87% but resaturate so quickly afterwards that it is not considered damaging.

But at altitude I desaturate quickly so I need O2 then until Im lower down again. Re travelling by plane, you can ask your GP to refer you for a fit-to-fly test where they put you in conditions to simulate air travel in pressurised conditions at (as far as I remember) 5000 feet - lots of advice about this on the BLF site

Scottish air is fab, so is Scotland, but not so good up a beautiful mountain for me

jean

bobshunshine in reply to O2Trees12 years ago

Thanks to all for the advice. I have had breathing problems for about three years have had about two exacerbations every year. just recovering from one now. Been on Prednisolone and Amoxycillin - and while it has cleared up the condition I have become extremely tired - hence my enquiry about oxygen. GP says that I must remember my advancing years - I am 87 now.

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