lung and airway disorders
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen administration
Oxygen is typically administered through a two-pronged nasal tube (cannula) with either continuous flow or a demand-type system. To improve efficiency and increase mobility in people requiring high amounts of supplemental oxygen, several devices, including reservoir cannulas and transtracheal catheters, can be used. When a person exhales, a reservoir cannula stores oxygen in a small chamber, and then returns the oxygen when the person inhales. Demand-type systems deliver oxygen only when triggered by the machine's user (such as when a person inhales or presses on the device). They do not deliver oxygen continuously. Some have small reservoirs. A transtracheal catheter is a small tube that is inserted through the skin directly into the windpipe. Oxygen is then delivered directly to the windpipe. Usually, a respiratory therapist or physician instructs the person about proper oxygen use. 