Oxygen Therapy: What It Is, Who Needs It, and How It Helps

When your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, oxygen therapy, a medical treatment that delivers extra oxygen to people with low blood oxygen levels. Also known as supplemental oxygen, it’s not just for hospital stays—it’s a daily lifeline for millions with chronic lung or heart conditions. It doesn’t cure disease, but it makes breathing possible when your lungs or heart can’t keep up on their own.

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a group of lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis that block airflow often rely on oxygen therapy to stay active. It’s also used for hypoxia, a condition where tissues don’t get enough oxygen, often due to heart failure, severe pneumonia, or sleep apnea. Even after a heart attack or during recovery from lung infections, doctors may prescribe it short-term to give the body time to heal. The goal isn’t to feel better tomorrow—it’s to keep you breathing today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

It’s not one-size-fits-all. Some use a nasal cannula at home, others need a portable tank to walk the dog. Some only need it at night, while others need it 24/7. What matters isn’t the machine—it’s whether your blood oxygen stays above 88%. Too little, and your heart works harder. Too much, and it can slow your breathing. That’s why it’s always prescribed, never bought off the shelf.

The posts below show how oxygen therapy connects to real-life health challenges—from lung damage caused by medications like amiodarone and methotrexate, to how breathing problems worsen with age or heart failure. You’ll find guides on managing side effects, recognizing when oxygen is needed, and avoiding dangerous interactions with other drugs. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or just trying to understand why someone you love needs that tank by their chair, this collection gives you the facts without the fluff.