For more information about other COPD treatments, download the COPD Medication Brochure.

Oxygen

Not everyone who has COPD needs to “be on oxygen.” However, if you have lung damage from COPD and have low oxygen levels in your blood, you may need supplemental oxygen to keep your oxygen levels up. Home oxygen, like other treatments for COPD, is not a cure but it can help improve your quality of life and help you live longer. If your doctor prescribes you home oxygen, it is very important to treat it like any other medication prescription. This means that you must use your home oxygen as your doctor prescribes and use the flow rate and frequency he or she recommends. For some people, this might mean using oxygen all day, for others it might mean using oxygen only at night or while exerting yourself (like when you’re walking or moving a lot).

Home oxygen does not replace other treatments you may have been prescribed. It is an additional treatment to your other prescriptions of inhalers and/or pulmonary rehabilitation. It means your home oxygen & other prescriptions go hand-in-hand. If it is determined that you need home oxygen to improve your blood-oxygen levels, you will need to talk to a home oxygen company’s health care professional to determine what equipment is best for you. Oxygen therapy is generally delivered as a gas from a cylinder or concentrator. Most often you will be on oxygen through small nasal prongs that fit into your nostrils, but sometimes you may need to use a mask that covers your mouth and nose. Breathing in this extra oxygen raises low blood-oxygen levels, eases the strain on your body and makes breathing easier.

Your body cannot store oxygen, so the therapy works only while you use it. If you take off your oxygen mask or remove the prongs, your blood oxygen level will drop within a few minutes. Like any other prescription medicine, oxygen must be used carefully and properly. You need to follow instructions and follow all the safety precautions. If you have any questions about proper use of your inhalers or other treatments, be sure you ask someone from your COPD team.

Saskatchewan residents who meet specific criteria for home oxygen may have oxygen funded through the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) government program. To learn more about Saskatchewan’ oxygen funding, visit our Lung Health Materials to download the Home Oxygen Brochure.

People with Treaty Status in Saskatchewan have oxygen funding covered through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program through the Federal government.

Vaccines

Vaccines (shots) for flu and pneumonia help protect you against these illnesses and lower your chance of a flare-up. You need to get a flu shot every year. Most people only need the pneumonia shot once, but some might need a booster (a second dose). Ask your doctor if you need a booster.

• Examples of pneumonia vaccines include Pneumovax 23®, Prevnar® 13, Prevnar® 20

COVID-19 vaccines are also recommended for people with COPD to further protect themselves. Check with your health care provider or local public health office to determine when you should be receiving these vaccines.