Is it safe to use oxygen or nebulisers at home?
In this blog, Suzanne, a Respiratory Nurse for our helpline, tells you more about oxygen therapy at home and the use of nebulisers. She also explains how you can access these treatments safely.
If not prescribed, using a nebuliser or oxygen therapy at home can be incredibly dangerous. This is because specialists monitor these types of treatments closely and adjust them to your individual needs. This information goes through the use of oxygen therapy or nebulisers at home, both of which you should only begin to use after being prescribed by a health care professional.
Why oxygen?
If you live with a lung condition, your doctor or consultant might prescribe you home oxygen therapy. This involves breathing in oxygen through a mask or a tube.
Oxygen therapy treats persistently low blood oxygen levels which place a strain on your heart. This can help you to walk further, do more daily activities, sleep better, and improve your concentration. Oxygen therapy can prolong life expectancy in some people with lung conditions.
Who can have home oxygen therapy?
Home oxygen therapy has lots of benefits, although we always remind callers that it isn’t suitable for everyone with a lung condition. It is a treatment for persistently low blood oxygen levels, not breathlessness.
Home oxygen therapy can also be used in end-of-life care.
Your doctor or consultant might prescribe home oxygen therapy if you constantly have low blood oxygen levels and have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions:
pulmonary fibrosis, and other interstitial lung diseases
Speak to a healthcare professional, like your GP or a hospital doctor, if you think you might benefit from home oxygen therapy.
Do I need a prescription for oxygen?
Oxygen is a medical gas and is prescribed like any other medication – you must never use oxygen at home unless it’s been prescribed for you. Misusing oxygen can be very harmful. Your doctor or consultant also needs to monitor you regularly so your prescription can be adjusted according to your needs.
What to expect at your oxygen assessment
If you are referred to see a specialist, you’ll have a number of tests to check if oxygen therapy is right for you. You can read more about home oxygen assessments on our website.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there’s anything you don’t understand – the health care professional is there to help you! We have more information about home oxygen on our website – including advice on how oxygen is delivered, using oxygen safely, and travelling with oxygen.
Nebulisers
A nebuliser is a machine that turns liquid medicine into a fine mist, which you can then breathe in through a mask or mouthpiece.
You should only use a nebuliser at home if:
your health care professional has recommended one for you
your health care professional prescribes medications to use with it
you are trained to use it
you understand the risk of infection and know how to clean and dry the nebuliser parts thoroughly to avoid infection.
When a consultant recommends home nebuliser therapy, they will create a specialised plan with you and monitor how you’re using it to keep you safe, as using a nebuliser at home without a prescription can be dangerous.
Read more about using a nebuliser at home and who they can help.
What type of nebuliser should I buy?
Nebulisers aren’t always available on the NHS, but you might be able to loan a nebuliser from the hospital or a community respiratory service. Or, if you have to buy it yourself, your consultant should let you know which type is best for you.
Find out what you need to know before getting your own nebuliser.
If you have more questions about using either oxygen or a nebuliser at home for your lung condition, you can call our Helpline on 0300 222 5800 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), and talk to one of our respiratory specialists or health care advisors.
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