Home Oxygen Therapy for Premature Babies
What is home oxygen therapy?
Home oxygen therapy provides additional oxygen for a baby not able to get enough oxygen from room air. The oxygen is given through a small tube that fits into the nose and around the face. This tube is called a nasal cannula.
Caring for a Baby on Home Oxygen Therapy
Your baby will be seen regularly in the High Risk Clinic to check weight, oxygen levels, and see how he/she is breathing.
Your baby should have his/her oxygen on at all times unless you have been told to wean the oxygen by one of the High Risk Clinic doctors.
There are times when your baby may need more oxygen, like when he/she is eating or starting to get sick. Your baby will also need more oxygen as his/her activity level increases.
If you need to increase their oxygen, please call the High Risk Clinic office at 513-636-3882.
How do I tell if my baby needs more oxygen?
Seek medical attention if your baby shows one or more of these symptoms:
Rapid breathing
Heavy breathing, (when you can see the ribs with each breath)
Widened nostrils while breathing
Struggling for air
Iirritability or fussiness for no reason
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
If your baby is having severe breathing problems, call 911.
What To Do If a Baby Shows Signs of Breathing Problems
1. Check equipment and ask yourself these questions:
Is the tank turned on?
Do the gauges show 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 the nasal cannula is clogged with mucus, follow these steps to unclog it:
Place the nasal cannula in a glass of water and look for bubbles.
If you do not see any bubbles, change the tubing or clean it with a damp cloth. (Do not use baby wipes.)
* If the oxygen equipment is not working properly, call the Equipment Company.
2. If the equipment checks out okay, increase the oxygen flow rate by 1/4 liter until the baby is breathing easier. Call the High Risk Clinic Staff 513-6346.
3. If your baby is a gray or blue color or still has trouble breathing after you have increased the oxygen, CALL 911.
Oxygen Safety in the Home
Because oxygen helps fire burn faster:
Do not smoke in the HOME or CAR 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
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