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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
oxygen
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oxygen
by little debbie, May 11, 2002 12:00AM
My husband has heart failure, and is gradually getting worse...especially his breathing. Although he is on Lasix, Coumadin, Lanoxin, Potassium. & Aldactone he continues to worsen. He tires out even easier & smothering is present at all times. He says the only time he can breathe 'good' is when he is going down the interstate at 65 mph with the windows down!!
My question is: what determines when a patient needs to be on oxygen at home? Are there certain tests he should take or is it something he should request? Is oxygen something we need to delay as long as possible? I worry that he is suffering needlessly.
Thanks for your service. It is great to have a support system such as this.
My question is: what determines when a patient needs to be on oxygen at home? Are there certain tests he should take or is it something he should request? Is oxygen something we need to delay as long as possible? I worry that he is suffering needlessly.
Thanks for your service. It is great to have a support system such as this.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-CRC, May 11, 2002 12:00AM
Dear debbie,
I'm concerned that your husband may need more intensive treatment than he is getting. When was the last time he saw his doctor? If his breathing is really this bad perhaps you should take him to the Emergency room. They can check his oxygen saturation to determine his need for supplemental oxygen. Home oxygen is sometimes needed for persons with heart failure especially if they have underlying lung disease due to smoking. There is no particular reason to delay getting this if it is needed. However, the first line therapy is adequate medical doses. Perhaps he needs larger doses of his medications.
I'm concerned that your husband may need more intensive treatment than he is getting. When was the last time he saw his doctor? If his breathing is really this bad perhaps you should take him to the Emergency room. They can check his oxygen saturation to determine his need for supplemental oxygen. Home oxygen is sometimes needed for persons with heart failure especially if they have underlying lung disease due to smoking. There is no particular reason to delay getting this if it is needed. However, the first line therapy is adequate medical doses. Perhaps he needs larger doses of his medications.
Has he had pulmonary function tests done?How often is he seeing his cardiologist and can his heart failure be reversed through any surgical procedure to correct any cardiac defects?The bigger issue here maybe the adquate management of his heart failure.Is he in a heart failure program at a major teaching facility?
Is he having blood gases drawn ?Howoften is he seeing his doctor and who co-ordinates his care,a GP or a cardiologist?
If his oxygen saturation level is in the 80's he needs oxygen.It may make him more comfortable,he can use it as needed.You have many issues that need to be addressed ,it is not a simple answer