If a person needs oxygen after hospitalization, will they always need to use oxygen?

Expert Video - If a person needs oxygen after hospitalization, will they always need to use oxygen?

Jerry Krishnan, MD, PhD, explains whether going home from the hospital after a COPD attack means you will always need oxygen therapy. Based on studies, patients can typically stop using oxygen therapy at 30, 60, or 90 days after leaving the hospital, however, about 50% of patients will still need oxygen therapy after 90 days. Dr. Krishnan says it is difficult to predict and explains how a respiratory therapist, visiting nurse, or other health care provider can help you manage your breathing and determine if you need to keep using supplemental oxygen.

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Expert Videos

1. How do doctors determine who needs oxygen therapy after hospitalization?

2. If a person needs oxygen after hospitalization, will they always need to use oxygen?

3. How do people arrange oxygen therapy in their homes?

4. What advice do you have for people using oxygen on how to effectively work with their healthcare team?

5. What other conditions require oxygen therapy, other than COPD?

6. What advice do you have for someone who is new to oxygen therapy?

Other Modules:

Using Your Stationary Oxygen Concentrator

Using Your Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Using Oxygen Tanks

Using Oxygen Safely

Understanding Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen Therapy and COPD

Oxygen Therapy and ILD

Oxygen Therapy and Healthy Living

Oxygen Therapy Patient Stories

Other Modules:

Using Your Stationary Oxygen Concentrator

Using Your Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Using Oxygen Tanks

Using Oxygen Safely

Understanding Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen Therapy and COPD

Oxygen Therapy and ILD

Oxygen Therapy and Healthy Living

Oxygen Therapy Patient Stories

This educational activity has been developed by American Thoracic Society, COPD Foundation and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.

Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The visuals provided are meant to be representations only. No specific brand of oxygen equipment is being promoted or endorsed.

This activity is supported by educational grants from:
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Gawlicki Family Foundation

Thank you to the funders of You And Oxygen Therapy. All content is developed independently by the American Thoracic Society, COPD Foundation, and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc. in collaboration with an Expert Faculty group; funders are allowed no influence on the content of You And Oxygen Therapy.

This website is part of the Animated Patient™ series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.