In the present scenario, Coronavirus has rampantly spread across the world and a majority of people all over the world are either infected by this virus or are dreading the spread of the disease. We all know by now that Coronavirus has passed the Community Spread phase.
What is Community Spread?
It is a stage of the virus spread after which it becomes difficult to control the spread of the disease. Therefore, medical professionals in the whole world are making an effort to discover the crucial and apt vaccine to fight against the spread of the virus. However, till now there has been no major success in this direction, though the trials for the vaccine are going on.
To prevent COVID-19 in this monsoon, it is very essential to follow a proper health regimen for a good immune system. This could include consuming healthy and freshly prepared home-cooked food and indulging in some exercise daily. At the same time, since the cases of coronavirus, a disease characterized by respiratory disorders, are increasing day by day, so, the need for oxygen support devices like ventilators, oxygen concentrators, etc. is naturally important.
What is an Oxygen Concentrator?
In simple words, it can be stated that Oxygen Concentrators are medical devices that deliver nearly pure oxygen through the nose via tubes. This equipment concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply, eliminates nitrogen, and thereby supplies an oxygen-rich product gas stream. Thus, it is a blessing for people suffering from respiratory disorders. It is a portable and cost-effective device widely used in hospitals. In the portable oxygen concentrators, pulse dose and continuous flow are the two settings for receiving oxygen. The pulse dose mode which is used for the daytime delivers air via the cannula as you inhale. This type of oxygen concentrator is designed in a compact way and comes with a good battery life. However, the model with continuous flow is capable of delivering regular airflow via the tubes.
How Does an Oxygen Concentrator Work?
A compressor and a sieve bed filter are the different parts of a portable oxygen concentrator. The compressed air is filtered into the concentrator with the help of a compressor. Thereafter, the compressed air gradually moves to the sieve bed filters. The sieve bed filter removes the nitrogen from the air. A six-sided microscopic cube with holes on each side known as Zeolite is present in the sieve bed and this is what helps to remove the nitrogen from the air.
Who Needs Oxygen Concentrators?
Patients suffering from acute respiratory disorders such as COPD, asthma, and respiratory distress due to climate change need supplemental oxygen for which oxygen concentrators can be used. This medical equipment can help pump a sufficient amount of oxygen into the patients’ bloodstream during or after an asthma attack. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cannot be cured, but treatment is made available through the use of an oxygen concentrator. Respiratory distress syndrome is a breathing disorder that mostly affects newborns, particularly those born 6 or more weeks prior to their delivery date. To treat this type of disorder, oxygen concentrators can be used. It helps pump oxygen into the lungs and bloodstream, and thereby reduce further complications.
Advantages of Oxygen Concentrators for COVID-19 Patients
One of the major issues that COVID-19 patients start facing is the inability to breathe properly. Therefore, oxygen concentrators can be helpful in providing the best possible oxygen supportive care. A majority of the cases that are not very severe and do not require the help of ventilator support can be treated by breathing therapy facilitated by an oxygen concentrator. And, with the help of this medical device, a COVID-19 infected patient can take his/her oxygen therapy from the safety and comfort of their homes. Some other benefits of Oxygen Concentrators include improved physical exercise tolerance, improved quality of sleep, and enhanced mental alertness.
Availability of Oxygen Concentrator for Patients
Oxygen concentrators provide a pocket-friendly and sustainable source of medical oxygen. Currently, hospitals are overcrowded due to the increasing cases of coronavirus patients and the availability of medical oxygen support is very important. To tackle such a situation, low-cost oxygen concentrators can be really helpful. In fact, there are certain medical institutions which are providing Oxygen Concentrator for COVID-19 patients to support their life.
Summing up:-
According to the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, the symptoms of coronavirus start surfacing within 7-10 days of illness. And, with the arrival of symptoms, a patient can start feeling breathing difficulties. This is when the cost-effective and one of the best oxygen supportive care medical devices known as Oxygen Concentrator can be really beneficial to fight against coronavirus. It is portable, easy to operate, and quite helpful in emergency situations.