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BURNS FROM HOME OXYGEN THERAPY

There is an increasing number of burns each year caused by the use of home oxygen therapy.

The reason is largely due to the increased use of home oxygen by the increasing population of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Most Common Oxygen Use
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: 75% Other chronic lung disorders: 15% Chronic heart failure: 8% Patients of average age: 70 years

Most Common Cause of Burn
Cigarette smoking while using oxygen (70%) Cooking while using oxygen (30%) Oxygen usually delivered by nasal prongs

Most Common Cause of Burn
Burns to nose and face: 90% Smoke inhalation injury: 30%

CONCLUSION:
The majority of burn injuries were caused by the use of cigarettes concomitantly with oxygen supplementation. The need for ongoing education regarding the dangers of smoking and being in proximity to an open flame while using home oxygen is apparent.

Help! Grandpa's oxygen blew up again!

PREVENTION OF HOME OXYGEN BURNS

The first step in educating patients should be initiated by the physicians who prescribe home oxygen therapy. The dangers of combining oxygen and a potential fire source need to be stressed. Means to decrease the risk of injuries should be made known to patients at initiation of therapy and at follow-up visits.

The second step is continued education by discharge planners, home care nurses and social workers.

The guidelines are:

There must be no smoking where oxygen is being used by anyone, especially the patient
The oxygen source must be kept at least 10 feet from an open flame, gas stove pilot lights, or wood burning stoves.
The oxygen source should be kept at least 10 feet from electrical equipment that can spark.

Reference:

American Lung Association. Use your breathing aids. In: Life and breath (online publication) 1999; 1(3). Available from http://www.lungusa.org/life_and_breath/b_aid.html#b_aid; Internet.

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