The Vital Role of Oxygen in Managing COVID-19: Ensuring Respiratory Health

Lungs play a crucial role in extracting and supplying oxygen from the air into the blood. Oxygen cylinders, a reliable source of medical oxygen, are indispensable for hospitals treating patients suffering from respiratory issues. This article delves into the importance of oxygen therapy in the hospital setting during the management of coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Understanding the Impact of Oxygen on Respiration

Medical oxygen, a pharmaceutical-grade product, is crucial for various medical conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cyanosis, shock, severe hemorrhage, carbon monoxide poisoning, major trauma, and cardiac and respiratory arrest. According to BOC Healthcare, a UK-based supplier of medical gases, medical oxygen is essential for 'restoring tissue oxygen tension by improving oxygen availability in a wide range of conditions.'

COVID-19 and the Impact on Lung Function

During the spread of COVID-19, the virus primarily attacks the lungs, leading to a range of respiratory complications. According to Narayana Health, a hospital chain based in Bengaluru, severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and pneumonia, both of which can be life-threatening due to their impact on lung function. The virus targets the alveoli in the lungs, reducing their capacity to exchange oxygen effectively.

Enhanced Need for Oxygen Therapy in COVID-19 Patients

The requirement for medical oxygen significantly increases during a COVID-19 infection. The disease reduces the availability of oxygen in the body, necessitating immediate intervention. Patients are often placed on oxygen therapy or ventilators in critical cases to maintain vital functions. Oxygen acts as a life-saving measure for COVID-19 patients.

Estimating Oxygen Demand in Hospitals

Dr. Kamna Kakkar, a senior resident in the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at PGIMS Rohtak, has observed the high demand for oxygen. She mentioned that a single patient on high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) can require up to 86,000 liters of oxygen per day. Dr. Kakkar emphasized that for a patient on HFNC who requires 100% oxygen at 60 liters per minute, this would amount to 3,600 liters of oxygen per hour. However, it is important to note that not all patients need oxygen support. Only 10% of the infected population in critical cases require oxygen, with around 1-2% requiring HFNC or ventilators.

Government's Initiatives to Ensure Oxygen Supply

According to Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, only about 5.8% of cases in India require oxygen therapy, and the situation may be severe enough to require intensive care in only 1.7% of cases. As of September 11th, 32,109 ventilators have been allocated to states, with 30,170 already delivered. The country is self-sufficient in oxygen, with 102,400 oxygen cylinders procured and supplied to various states and Union Territories.

Conclusion

Oxygen therapy is a critical component of managing COVID-19 infections in hospitals. It is essential for ensuring that the body's oxygen levels are maintained, particularly in severe cases where respiratory function is compromised. As the situation continues to evolve, ongoing efforts to secure and distribute medical oxygen remain vital to saving lives and ensuring effective treatment.