Oxygen Therapy: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Providers

This book is a practical guide for all healthcare providers who come into contact with oxygen therapy in their clinical practice, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, home workers and pharmacists. There are many acute situations and conditions where oxygen is used as the primary treatment. In addition, the ageing population and the evolution in home care mean that more and more people with chronic conditions, including COPD or asthma, also need oxygen at home. This book, based on scientific research and clinical expertise, aims to provide guidance to healthcare providers in order to guarantee effective oxygen treatment in the hospital or in home care. The book describes the importance of oxygen in the body and how to deal with shortness of breath in an adequate manner. In addition, an overview is given of the various oxygen sources and forms of administration, the safety measures and points of attention such as oxygen use during air travel and home ventilation. The book also contains practical information about oxygen administration at home. This book was created in collaboration with the active working group of the Belgian Association for Pneumology Nurses, an association within the Belgian Association for Pneumology.