Not everyone with a long-term respiratory problem needs oxygen. We only offer oxygen to people who have persistently low blood oxygen levels. Having low blood oxygen levels over a long period of time can place strain on your heart- the aim of oxygen therapy is to reduce this strain. It is important to remember that oxygen is not a treatment for breathlessness.
If you or you GP are worried about you having low blood oxygen levels, you can be referred into a specialist oxygen team who will review you to see if you need oxygen. This is done by taking a sample for blood from your wrist on two different appointments a few weeks apart when you are well.
