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What are examples of essential medical supplies and equipment in the state or outside the state? In 2015, computer, Internet, and telephone services were essential medical supplies and equipment. Here are further facts. |
| Type |
| Service |
| Breathing & Respiratory Supplies |
| Worldwide web/Emergency Medical Supplies & Equipment |
| Emergency Medical Supplies & Equipment |
| Hospital Medical Equipment & Supplies |
| Diabetic Supplies & Products |
| Diagnostic Supplies, Products & Equipment |
| Other Health Care Products & Medical Supplies |
| Lab Equipment & Supplies |
| Surgical Instruments, Supplies & Equipment |
| Medical Uniforms, Medical Scrubs & Apparel |
| Mobility Products |
| Orthopedic Products |
| Rehabilitation Equipment & Products |
| Skin & Wound Care Products & Supplies |
| Dental Supplies, Products & Equipment |
| Sports Medicine Products & Supplies |
| Living Aids |
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What is Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy is a type of medical intervention that provides extra oxygen, one of the most abundant gases in the universe, to people who are suffering from sudden or long-term health conditions. The air we breathe contains approximately 21% oxygen. Although this might be sufficient for people with healthy lungs, it may not be enough for people with chronic lung conditions like COPD. That’s where supplemental oxygen comes in. Who Needs Oxygen Therapy? Many people believe that shortness of breath is the qualifying factor that gives rise to them requiring supplemental oxygen. This is not necessarily true. Although many people who are short of breath do require therapy, additional criteria must be met before a doctor can justify writing a prescription. Before being selected for therapy, your doctor will order an arterial blood gas (ABG) study or conduct a pulse oximetry test to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. Generally speaking, medical oxygen is required if your blood oxygen level is less than or equal to 55 mg Hg or your oxygen saturation level is 88% or lower. Once your doctor determines that your blood oxygen levels are low, he may recommend that you begin therapy. How Many Hours a Day Must You Use Oxygen Therapy? The amount of time you use therapy will be based on your individual needs and determined by your doctor. The good news is that using it for more than 15 hours a day increases survival in some patients.1 Oxygen has many more benefits – both short and long term – in addition to increasing life expectancy. To learn more about the many ways supplemental oxygen can benefit you read Portable Oxygen Benefits. Are There Any Side Effects Associated with Supplemental Oxygen? When used correctly, it is both safe and effective. Like any prescription drug, however, side effects may occur. The following includes the most commonly reported side effects associated with supplemental oxygen and oxygen therapy equipment: •Nasal dryness – Supplemental oxygen can have a drying effect on your entire respiratory tract starting with your nose and nasal passages. Using a moisturizing product such as AYR Saline Nasal Mist can help lubricate your nasal passages making the therapy more comfortable. •Skin irritation – Given that the prongs of the nasal cannula rest just inside the nares, it’s not uncommon for the skin in that area to become red and irritated. Applying AYR Nasal Gel in and around the nasal openings may help soothe this highly sensitive area, providing protection against skin breakdown. •Risk of fire – Although oxygen is not flammable in and of itself, it supports combustion meaning that things that burn more readily in its presence. Never smoke or allow anyone to smoke while using supplemental oxygen. Avoid using your oxygen near an open flame or others sources of heat such as an electric stove. Steer clear of personal care products that contain petroleum. •Suppression of the drive to breathe – The _________ Heart Lung and Blood Institute reports that this type of therapy may suppress the drive to breathe in a select group of patients. This can generally be managed by adjusting your oxygen flow rate.2 That said, it’s important that you always follow your doctor’s orders regarding your oxygen prescription. Never increase your oxygen dose without first checking with your health care provider. Oxygen therapy, when used as prescribed, can give you the energy you need to function better and be more physically active. Additionally, a portable oxygen concentrator like the Inogen One makes it easy for you to maintain your independence so you can either keep up with your daily routine around the house or travel about town as you see fit. Pharmaceutical Breathing Treatments for Lung Disease There are two classes of medications commonly used to treat some lung diseases. These often treat symptoms associated with COPD and other breathing problems: bronchodilators and steroids. Asthma patients also use these to combat acute and long-term symptoms. Both types of breathing treatments are used to help you breathe better, but they work in very different ways. Bronchodilators For the most part, these drugs are either given “as needed” to relieve acute symptoms temporarily, or more regularly for persistent problems breathing. Think of these drugs as a muscle relaxant that works on your airways. You have muscles in your chest that affect the diameter and rigidity of your breathing tubes, so by relaxing them you will be able to breathe easier and deeper. There are three kinds of bronchodilators, and your doctor will prescribe the best one for your situation. 1. Beta2 Antagonists: These can be taken as a pill or more commonly inhaled for faster results. Some work very fast, while others can take 20 minutes to kick in. Fast-acting formulations are perfect to use before an activity that may cause you difficulty in breathing. There are also 12-hour formulations that are taken twice a day to manage conditions like COPD around the clock. Speak with your doctor about side effects for the particular medication you are taking. Xopenex (levalbuterol) and Proventil (albuterol) are two kinds of beta2 antagonists. 2. Anticholinergics: These types of bronchodilators are inhaled only, and can be short or long lasting. An important thing to note with these kinds of medications is that they do not work as quickly as beta2 antagonists, so they are not to be used for acute symptoms. They do have fewer side effects, however, and you may be prescribed an anticholinergic and a beta2 antagonist together to combat your symptoms as effectively as possible for any given situation. Atrovent and Spiriva are two brands of anticholinergics. 3. Theophylline: This is an older class of medication that is not in use as much anymore for people suffering from COPD. Taken in pill form, there are also short and long lasting formulations of theophylline, but no fast acting formula. Your doctor will have to monitor the levels of the drug in your blood very carefully, because serious side effects can occur if those levels get too high. Your doctor will go over these side effects with you and, as with any medications, you should seek medical advice immediately if you encounter any problems. Truxophyllin and Theolair are two kinds of theophylline. Steroids Regular treatment with steroids is for patients with more severe and persistent COPD and Asthma symptoms. These medications are used to reduce swelling in your airways so you can breath better. These kinds of steroids (corticosteroids) are different than the kind you hear about in professional sports (anabolic steroids). These kinds of medications come in both oral (pill) and inhaled form, and work slowly and in smaller doses so that side effects can be avoided. It takes time to notice any positive changes when using corticosteroids for COPD. Oftentimes, your doctor will also prescribe a bronchodilator with a steroid for a more complete “combination” approach to treating your breathing problems. Becotide and Pulmicort are two kinds of steroids used to treat COPD. Diuretics Many COPD patients experience swelling and fluid retention, particularly in the ankles. If you also suffer from heart failure, fluid can collect in the lungs as well. This tends to happen during bouts with acute bronchitis. Since steroid treatments can actually cause fluid retention, often you will be prescribed a diuretic to help your kidneys get rid of these excess fluids. Lasix and Aldactone are two brands of diuretics that you may be given to help you breathe better. Antibiotics In some cases, you may be prescribed antibiotic breathing treatment to deal with an acute bacterial infection that results in severe symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Note that antibiotics only work for these kinds of infections, and not for viral infections. These are the same kinds of antibiotics you have probably taken before. Antibiotics are not effective for treating symptoms of COPD over a long-term period of time. Commonly used brands include Augmentin, Zithromax, and Avelox. Asthma-specific medications People who suffer from asthma use many of the same bronchodilators and corticosteroids as people who suffer from COPD. However there are some other kinds of medications available to asthma patients, depending on how severe your breathing difficulties are. 1. Leukotriene Inhibitors: These drugs are often used in combination with an inhaled steroid in order to avoid using an oral steroid. They work by blocking the chemicals that your body generates when it is exposed to something that triggers your asthma, resulting in fewer attacks. Singulair is one common leukotriene inhibitor. 2. Monoclonal Antibodies: This is the newest kind of asthma medicine, and is used in more severe cases where inhaled steroids are not sufficient. This kind of treatment is injected intravenously, and works by reducing the amount of allergy-causing chemicals released by the body when it comes into contact with a trigger substance. Xolair is currently the only drug in this category. 3. Mast Cell Inhibitors: These mild drugs prevent the symptoms of allergies, such as runny nose and itchy eyes, as well as asthmatic reactions to allergies. Mostly used seasonally for people with milder asthma, these work by blocking the release of histamine in your body. Intal and Tilade are two kinds of mast cell inhibitors. Mucolytics For Cystic Fibrosis patients, or some COPD patients where excess mucus production is a major problem, your doctor may prescribe mucus-thinning medications called mucloytics. These make the excess mucus less sticky and easier to expel, thus helping you to breathe better. These come in tablet or liquid form. Many people have allergic reactions to these products, so speak with your doctor thoroughly before trying these products. Mucomyst is one kind of mucolytic medicine currently on the market. Inhalers and Nebulizers For people using inhaled bronchodilators and steroids to treat their lung disorder, there are two primary devices used to administer the medicine. One is an inhaler, very common for asthma patients and very easy to use. The other is a nebulizer, used in conjuction with liquid formulations of certain kinds of medication. Inhalers: These small, pocket-sized devices usually come in metered doses. A small canister is inserted into the mechanism and, when shaken and pressed, releases vaporized medicine to be inhaled through the mouthpiece. Inhalers come in many shapes and sizes, but most work the same way: •Take the cap off and shake the inhaler •Breathe out •Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and press the canister down as you start to inhale •Hold your breath for several seconds to make sure that the medicine has a chance to penetrate your airways •Repeat if necessary or if instructed by your doctor Nebulizers: These machines deliver liquid medicine to your lungs and airways in the form of a mist. By forcing air through the liquid, the medicine is broken up and propelled into your lungs. You will need to wear a mask or mouthpiece to use this device. •Plug the nebulizer in to a grounded electrical outlet•Carefully measure and pour the correct dose of medication into the nebulizer cup •Put the top on the cup and connect the mask or mouthpiece •Connect the tubing •Turn on the compressor on the nebulizer •Sit up straight and put on the mask or mouthpiece •Take deep, slow breaths and let the medicine reach deep into your airways •Continue until the medicine is gone; clean the nebulizer after each use Oxygen Therapy for Lung Disease For some people, a steady supply of oxygen at home is the only way to cope with the effects of lung disease and be able to breathe better. In this case, your doctor will prescribe oxygen therapy-how frequently it should be used, how much should be consumed (liters per minute), and when you should use it every day. A simple blood test will confirm all of this. Some people will need oxygen only when doing something strenuous, such as extended periods of walking. Others may only need it at night. Many oxygen patients, however, need oxygen continuously—day, night, and when traveling—and will need to find a versatile solution that fits these rigorous needs. There are three types of oxygen delivery systems: Compressed Gas This is the method that has been around a while and is only for portable use. Various size oxygen tanks are regularly delivered to your home. Each one has a regulator to control the rate of oxygen flow. You connect to these tanks via your cannula (a breathing device that hooks over your ears and extends into your nose) and oxygen is delivered to your lungs each time you take a breath. There are also smaller portable oxygen tanks for mobile use. One drawback to this approach is that you have to always have enough tanks on hand so you don’t run out, which means lots of visits from your oxygen provider and lots of tanks to store. Liquid Oxygen This method stores very cold liquid oxygen in a thermos-type of container (almost -297º F). You transfer this to a smaller delivery device to use around the house and in your travels. When the liquid is released, it changes back to a gas so that you can breathe it. Much smaller than the traditional canister system, liquid oxygen is a bit more expensive. You must be very careful using this equipment to avoid injury from the dangerously cold liquid oxygen. Oxygen Concentrators Oxygen concentrators are newer, more portable electric devices that work by separating the oxygen out of the air around us and storing it for you to breathe. You don’t have to worry about canisters or refills. Many oxygen concentrators are small and allow the user much greater independence than other methods of oxygen therapy. Some are even permitted on commercial airlines. Another advantage of this system is you don’t have to worry about your home oxygen supplier as much as with the other methods-they just drop off the concentrator, teach you how to use it, and you’re good to go without lots of service visits or intrusions. The Inogen One System was the first single solution portable oxygen concentrator. Single Solution Oxygen Concentrators This is a new technology, in which a portable oxygen concentrator is capable of satisfying all of your oxygen needs: stationary, portable, and travel. These innovative oxygen machines are made for the kind of patient who is looking to achieve independence from his or her condition. Note that some portable concentrators are not Single Solutions because they are not appropriate for stationary, ambulatory, and travel use. Safety and Oxygen Therapy OXYGEN SUPPORTS COMBUSTION AND AN OXYGEN RICH ENVIRONMENT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A FIRE. You should never, ever smoke while using oxygen. Don’t let anyone else smoke anywhere near you, either. Avoid any sort of open flame, such as candles, gas burners on a stove, or fireplaces while using oxygen. If you go to a restaurant, stay in the nonsmoking section. Since oxygen canisters are so large and heavy, make sure that it is stable and won’t fall over. Most oxygen providers will give you a stand that can hold it securely. If you use liquid oxygen, keep the container standing up straight and be very careful handling it and refilling your portable oxygen tank. Liquid oxygen is very cold, and can injure you if it touches your skin. If you use an oxygen concentrator, you don’t have quite as much to worry about, but try not to use an extension cord, as this can elevate the risk for an electrical fire (as with any appliance). Finally, keep a fire extinguisher close by in your house. Your provider will go over the safety features of whatever type of oxygen equipment you and your doctor choose, but things can go wrong no matter how well you prepare. If you’re not using a concentrator, you should also let your local fire department know that you are keeping oxygen in your home. Oxygen Therapy Advancements & Equipment Oxygen Therapy Advancements & Equipment share: Rapid Advancements of Oxygen Therapy In the past, patients diagnosed with conditions requiring oxygen therapy faced the cumbersome burden of traditional canister and liquid oxygen technology. Among other sacrifices, many people lost their mobility. That is quickly changing. Inogen has been developing new lightweight, portable oxygen concentrators, which have done much to improve the lifestyle of people who need oxygen to breathe better. Single solution portable oxygen concentrators are small, easy to carry, quiet, energy-efficient and simple to use. A single solution alternative means patients no longer need multiple devices for different uses, whether at home, sleeping or travelling. Learn more about portable oxygen concentrators Respiratory Equipment for Oxygen Therapy Chronic breathing problems that require the ongoing use of respiratory equipment present a serious lifestyle challenge. Patients needing respiratory therapy equipment as part of their daily routine not only suffer from the health effects of the breathing condition itself, but they also are saddled with the inconveniences associated with medical respiratory equipment. Inogen is a manufacturer and also an accredited home healthcare provider with one primary goal: to give renewed freedom and independence to users of outdated commercial and home respiratory equipment. Learn more about Inogen Common Respiratory Equipment Accessories •Nasal Cannula: This is the device that most of us have seen, in which rubber tubing runs from your oxygen device to your face, hooks over your ears, and delivers oxygen through your nose. Designed for comfort and function, there are many styles of cannula to fit most patients’ needs. •Face Mask: Patients with more severe symptoms may need to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth to fulfill their oxygen needs. This allows for greater oxygen flow. •Oxygen Regulator: A flow meter built into an oxygen regulator allows the user to increase or decrease the flow of oxygen being provided. This amount is usually measured in liters per minute (lpm), with most flow meters graduated from 0 to 15 lpm. •Trans-Tracheal: This device connects directly to the trachea via a small hole in the throat and delivers the oxygen directly. It is worn as a necklace, and is much less noticeable than cannulas and masks. What does home mean to you? Most people associate “home” with comfort and peace. But home oxygen therapy patients have to work extra hard to find comfort and peace even within their own homes, because the basic function of breathing is more complicated for them. Inogen’s home oxygen therapy is the solution for breathing easier in a stationary environment, for patients with COPD, bronchitis, and other conditions. The Right Kind of Home Oxygen Therapy Home oxygen therapy solutions are not all the same. In the past, medical oxygen users would rely on oxygen tanks at home and on-the-go. These tanks were heavy and inefficient, and you could forget about carrying one from one room to the next without assistance. The Inogen at Home™ is an oxygen concentrator designed to give users home oxygen without all those headaches. This oxygen concentrator gives users greater peace and comfort with oxygen therapy at home. It’s a lightweight machine that keeps the noise and energy cost low so that the user retains his/her sense of comfort. You breathe easier when your oxygen concentrator makes you feel perfectly at home. Breathing easier becomes a reality with the light, easy, and efficient Inogen At Home™. Here are just a few things that set it apart from other standard stationary oxygen concentrators in the market today: • Only 18 pounds • 5 liters of continuous flow oxygen delivered per minute • Extremely quiet • Energy-efficient Oxygen Delivery – 5 liters of oxygen are delivered per minute on continuous flow setting. Continuous flow is ideal for at-home use when the user is stationary and the breathing rate is constant. Weight – 18 pounds is approximately half of what other concentrators weigh. Weight remains an important factor even with stationary equipment because it allows the user to have the freedom to choose what area or room in the home the concentrator should go. No one wants to feel tied down to the room where the medical oxygen is stationed. Quiet – The Inogen At Home™ operates at 40 decibels on flow setting 2. |