Key Things to Know About Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Key Things to Know About Portable Oxygen Concentrators

A portable oxygen concentrator is an effective and compact solution for people affected by respiratory conditions. This medical device can help reduce the difficulty in breathing. The machine provides extra oxygen to the lungs, so it is usually prescribed when the oxygen levels in the blood drop way below what is considered normal. One should use oxygen concentrators after consulting an expert healthcare professional. Here is everything to know about the device:

What is a portable oxygen concentrator?
Portable oxygen concentrators are devices used by individuals who suffer from any type of respiratory condition or disorder. These machines help provide supplemental oxygen, making breathing easy for the individual. Portable concentrators are unlike traditional oxygen tanks as they offer more flexibility, and they eradicate the problem of having limited access to oxygen. The compact size of these concentrators makes them portable and allows the individual to maintain their quality of life while continuing with their daily routine. Other than disease-related use, the machine can also be recommended for things like altitude acclimatization, breathlessness, headaches, and jet lag.

How does it work?
Typically, the air we breathe has a greater amount of nitrogen and small amounts of oxygen. If one’s lungs work well, this concentration is not a problem. But, it could be an issue for those who experience trouble breathing due to respiratory conditions. A portable oxygen concentrator helps solve this problem. It purifies the air to ensure that the air sent to the lung primarily contains oxygen along with tiny amounts of nitrogen, making it easier for the individual to breathe. Most portable oxygen concentrators contain a battery that can be charged with the help of an electric plug. Some oxygen concentrators also come with an adapter that allows people to charge the machines while driving. The portable concentrator does not require refills and does not have a heavy tank. This means one will never run out of oxygen, even on the road.

Benefits
Here are some of the key benefits of a portable oxygen concentrator:

Ease of use: One of the biggest and most obvious advantages of a compact oxygen concentrator is that it is easy to use and completely portable. People can choose from several available options, each of which comes with different functionalities. Irrespective of the type of oxygen concentrator one gets, one does not have to spend a lot of time learning how to use it as they are all simple to operate. For instance, an oxygen concentrator comes with a control panel and easy buttons and controls for users of all ages. The panel allows users to control their oxygen intake and customize the amount based on their prescription. Additionally, the concentrators help people check their pulse flow and even alert the user if they do something incorrectly. The panel also shows the battery life and sends alerts to charge the device.

Flexibility: The portable oxygen concentrators are battery-operated. Most of them can run on AC/DC power source, which allows one to use the machine at all places that have an electrical outlet. Concentrators constantly pull the air around them and filter the nitrogen, so users do not have to worry about refills or changing tanks. So one can get a constant supply of oxygen without worrying about running out of oxygen after an hour or two. This is exactly what makes this machine a great investment, especially for those who have respiratory diseases and other similar conditions.

Portability: The machines are discreet and compact, making them fit into luggage to be carried anywhere. This also makes it possible for those who have an active lifestyle to have the convenience of using this machine on the move.

Highly customizable: The oxygen therapy prescribed by doctors is based on the lifestyle and needs of the individual. Some people may need to use an oxygen concentrator to tackle the symptoms of their respiratory and breathing conditions, while others may need it for physical activity and to improve stamina. What makes portable machines convenient is that they can be customized to adapt to individual needs. This is something that cannot be achieved with a traditional oxygen tank and what sets POCs apart.

Improved sleep: While sleeping, the oxygen saturation levels in the body tend to drop. This is something that can also happen to those with healthy lungs. If one is affected by a respiratory condition such as COPD, they may experience a phenomenon called transient nocturnal desaturation. This is when the oxygen concentration levels in the blood drop lower than usual while sleeping, potentially affecting the individual’s ability to sleep well. The lack of oxygen can lead to a ton of health issues. To tackle this, doctors may prescribe oxygen therapy to improve oxygen concentration levels and one’s overall sleep quality.

Safe to use: Traditional oxygen tanks have an increased risk of pure oxygen leaks and fire hazards. POCs, on the other hand, are fairly safe to use. The portable machines process oxygen from one’s surroundings. So, they do not carry nearly as much oxygen as a tank or cylinder and pose a lesser risk of accidents.

Some of the other benefits of using portable oxygen concentrators include improved mental alertness, better organ function, and even a boost in stamina.

Cost
While portable oxygen concentrators have many benefits, they can be expensive machines to own. However, a used concentrator typically costs anywhere between $800 to $2,000. This is roughly one-third of the cost of a new portable concentrator, which can go up to $4500, depending on the brand you choose. But, it is essential to note that even though this is an expensive product, a traditional oxygen tank can also prove costly as it is accompanied by maintenance costs, refill costs, and other expenses.

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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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10 Ways Portable Oxygen Concentrators Make Life Easier

Portable oxygen concentrators are devices designed to assist patients with respiratory conditions or other ailments that cause breathing difficulty. They help individuals breathe without straining their lungs or adding pressure to their brains. The most significant benefit is that portable concentrators do not have to be refilled frequently and can be charged anytime, anywhere. They filter the surrounding air and collect concentrated oxygen, which is delivered to the patient through a nozzle. Convenience of use There are different kinds of portable oxygen concentrators, each with a unique functioning system. But irrespective of the type, these portable devices are convenient and easy to carry around without impacting day-to-day life. Given the wide range of choices, the canned oxygen concentrator is a suitable pick among the ones that are the easiest to use. It requires just one attachment to connect the nose and mouth mask to the spray nozzle. If one has been advised oxygen therapy and needs to monitor their oxygen intake, they can add a portable oxygen concentrator control panel to the setup. These panels track the pulse and oxygen flow and inform the user if something is wrong. Control panels also show the battery life of the concentrators, reminding the person to have a backup at hand. This is a valuable feature worth investing in. Lifestyle maintenance Many people with respiratory or other disorders requiring supplemental oxygen have restricted lifestyles. But thanks to portable oxygen concentrators, that can easily be remedied. The compact structure of these devices prevents individuals from limiting their movement and giving up on their active social or work life. Most tanks also come with AC/DC adapters, making it easy to recharge the machine quickly and easily whenever needed, thus saving time. Better sleep Those with respiratory issues usually find it hard to get quality sleep because of the lack of oxygen supply caused by their breathing difficulty. Sometimes, lower oxygen concentrations in the body and sleep problems impact a person's overall health and the functioning of major organs. This is why portable oxygen concentrators are essential in improving one's quality of life. They are a constant source of oxygen for patients with respiratory ailments, improving their sleep and health. Flexibility Portable concentrators are compact and convenient enough to be lugged around without hassle. They are also discreet as opposed to being hooked to a huge machine. This helps decrease patients' awkwardness and reluctance to use them outside their homes. Users concerned about other people and their judgment can use these little tanks that do not grab attention. In other words, these compact devices enable patients to chase their goals and follow a routine without hindering them or wedging a wall between them and their regular life. Mobility The ease with which portable concentrators can be carried around makes them comfortable for patients of all ages. This also means patients across all walks of life can safely use them. For instance, those enthusiastic about sports or other activities can actively participate without sacrificing their dreams. These concentrators can be conveniently wheeled around when playing on a sports ground. Patients who do not want to wheel the device around can simply carry it in a backpack and avoid unwanted attention. Customization Portable oxygen concentrators are not set at a single operation speed. It is possible to adjust the flow speed according to the user's need or as advised by their doctor. These devices are also available in different sizes to suit the preferences of the patients that need to use them. Individuals can choose designs that work best for their routine and other requirements. Safety Traditional oxygen tanks can be a considerable fire hazard since they may develop a leak. Portable concentrators, on the other hand, are relatively safer. One reason they are a lower potential risk is the lower amount of oxygen they carry. Better organ function Better oxygen flow to the brain can lower the possibility of brain fog and improve a person's brain and bodily function. Further, the improved oxygen supply to the lungs helps increase the organ's oxygen-carrying capacity and pass it on to the rest of the respiratory system and blood. Owing to the higher oxygen concentration in the blood, the organs in different body areas can function correctly. Reliable treatment Oxygen concentrators have proven beneficial for patients with several respiratory ailments like asthma and COPD. Those with COPD may frequently require concentrators to combat the lack of proper oxygen supply in the body. Portable machines save patients from the inconvenience of using bulky oxygen tanks and encourage them to step out of the house more often without embarrassment. Easy travel Traveling with oxygen tanks is restrictive and exhausting. And catching a flight with one proves an absolute nightmare. But this is unavoidable because the lower oxygen in an aircraft cabin is a cause of concern for patients with respiratory illnesses. Thankfully, a portable oxygen concentrator can be carried on flights with some paperwork. Users may be able to check it in with their luggage, carry it in a backpack, or sit down with it. Despite knowing how portable oxygen concentrators can help improve a patient's quality of life, their higher cost might worry some. Those trying to determine the minimum amount they will have to invest in getting a good concentrator may be surprised to hear its price. As per estimates, the minimum cost is around $2,000. However, the exact figure will depend on the size, type, company, and the concentrator's capacity. Individuals can rent these devices if the cost seems too much. Renting eliminates the worry about the purchase price and whether or not the machine will be helpful long term. In any case, it is crucial to research these machines and compare them to purchase or rent the right one.

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