When you use oxygen as a medical treatment, it is called oxygen therapy or supplemental oxygen. Most pulmonary fibrosis patients need oxygen at some point during their treatment. You may need oxygen all day long, or only at night or when you exercise. Each PF patient's oxygen needs are unique and depend on the severity of their disease and lifestyle. Your doctor will have you perform a simple walking test to see if you need supplemental oxygen.
You will monitor your oxygen levels at home using handheld pulse oximeters (available over the counter in many pharmacies). You will aim to maintain your oxygen saturation level above 90 percent throughout the day and night.
Getting started with oxygen can be challenging but most PF patients find that oxygen doesn't limit their lives—it actually allows them to do more.
Visit our oxygen therapy section to learn more about:
- Getting started
- How oxygen can help PF
- Different types of oxygen
- Using oxygen safely
- Home use
- Traveling with oxygen
- Supporting someone on oxygen
Do you have tips and tricks for living with oxygen you'd like to share? Send them to Info@Lung.org.
Page last updated: April 17, 2024
