Home Oxygen Therapy for Premature Babies
What is home oxygen therapy and why does a baby need it?
Home oxygen therapy is used to provide additional oxygen to a baby suffering from a lung problem that prohibits him / her from getting enough oxygen from room air. The oxygen is administered to him / her by a small tube that fits into the nose (nasal cannula). Without enough oxygen, babies must use more energy to breathe, and as a result, may not grow as quickly.
To be sure a baby is getting enough oxygen, frequent trips to the High Risk Clinic must be made to assess his / her weight and oxygen level. After returning home, he / she may need to have the oxygen flow rate increased, which is not unusual, because a baby needs more energy as activity levels increase. Therefore, it is important to keep the oxygen on at all times until notified otherwise by a doctor.
For questions or comments, please call 513-636-3882.
Oxygen Safety in the Home
Because oxygen helps fire burn faster:
- Do not smoke in a room with oxygen tanks
- Do not use oxygen near fires, fireplaces, space heaters or open flames
- Do not put any grease or oil on the oxygen system
- Do not carry oxygen tanks in car trunks, or store in hot places
Signs of Increased Oxygen Needs
Seek medical attention if a baby exhibits one or more of the following symptoms:
- Rapid breathing
- Increased chest movements (heavy breathing), which allow ribs to be seen with each breath
- Widened nostrils while breathing
- Struggling for air
- Unexplained irritability or fussiness
- Change in skin color - pale
- Blue-gray around mouth
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Stopping to rest more frequently while feeding
- Poor sucking while feeding
- Breathing faster while eating
- Pulling away from bottle / breast
What to do if a baby shows signs of breathing problems
Check equipment and ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the tank turned on?
- Do the gauges indicate there is enough oxygen in the tank?
- Is the flow rate correct?
- Is the tubing kinked?
- Is the tubing connected?
- Is the nasal cannula clogged with mucus?
If it is, follow these two easy steps to unclog it:
- Check the nasal cannula by placing it in a glass of water and looking for bubbles
- If the nasal cannula is clogged, change the tubing or clean it with a damp cloth (Do not use baby wipes)
- If the equipment checks out okay, increase the oxygen flow rate by 1/4 liter until the baby is breathing easier
- Check for other signs of sickness (example: fever, cold, etc.)
- Call the High Risk Clinic Staff (513-636-3882)
- Call Primary Care Physician
- Call Equipment Company
If a baby is having severe problems, call emergency medical services.
PEP 2025 II 12/92
Rev. 7/05
