{"id":7407,"date":"2026-09-30T14:51:39","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T12:51:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpha1-deutschland.org\/?p=7407"},"modified":"2026-10-01T10:22:32","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T08:22:32","slug":"luft-zum-leben-alpha1-deutschland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha1-deutschland.org\/en\/luft-zum-leben-alpha1-deutschland","title":{"rendered":"Air for life"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Gabi Niethammer, as appeared in Alpha1 Journal 1\/2026<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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For proper breathing to function, two systems must work together: the lungs, where gas exchange takes place, and the respiratory pump, which enables the ventilation of the lungs.<\/p>\n

The lungs transport air and oxygen; the actual gas exchange takes place in the alveoli: oxygen is absorbed from the inhaled air into the blood and carbon dioxide (CO2), a metabolic product of our body, is released via the lungs.<\/p>\n

We need the respiratory pump to get air into our lungs and enable gas exchange. It includes the respiratory center, the bony rib cage (which transmits force), the respiratory muscles in the chest, and the diaphragm.<\/p>\n

A disorder can occur in both the lungs (pulmonary insufficiency) and the respiratory pump (ventilatory insufficiency).<\/p>\n

Pulmonary insufficiency can be diagnosed by measuring blood gases, for example, at the earlobe. If the oxygen levels or partial pressure of oxygen in the blood are reduced, while the CO2 level is normal, this indicates that gas exchange is impaired. The CO2 level can be normal or reduced. This occurs due to an increased respiratory rate when we try to improve oxygen uptake. This simultaneously leads to more CO2 being exhaled, which can result in a lower CO2 level.<\/p>\n

Ventilatory insufficiency occurs when lung ventilation is no longer adequate, causing the CO2 level in the blood to rise. This is usually due to respiratory muscle fatigue, preventing sufficient CO2 expulsion. As a result, the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood increases; often, oxygen supply is also impaired, leading to respiratory muscle strain.<\/p>\n

Depending on the disorder, there are different treatment approaches: In the case of pulmonary insufficiency, i.e., a disorder of gas exchange, oxygen therapy may be useful.<\/p>\n

In cases of ventilatory insufficiency, where lung ventilation is impaired, mask ventilation \u2013 often at night \u2013 can be used. It supports breathing and relieves the strain on the respiratory muscles.<\/p>\n

This presentation focuses on oxygen therapy. A fundamental distinction is made between two forms of hypoxemia: Chronic hypoxemia describes a persistently low oxygen level in the blood. In contrast, exercise-induced hypoxemia is characterized by oxygen deficiency only during physical exertion.<\/p>\n

To assess whether oxygen therapy could be beneficial, the existing treatment is first reviewed. Oxygen therapy can only be considered if the underlying condition is adequately treated, meaning medication and inhalation are optimally coordinated, and hypoxemia still persists. Further investigations will determine whether there is a chronic or exercise-induced oxygen deficiency in the blood.<\/p>\n

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) should be used for at least 15 hours daily, ideally longer. This is usually achieved through a combination of stationary oxygen supply at home and a portable oxygen concentrator. The goal is to ensure adequate oxygenation of the body and to maintain, and ideally even improve, mobility and quality of life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t

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Oxygen support during physical exertion is used when the body's oxygen demand increases during activity, leading to an oxygen deficiency, for example, during a walk, at the gym, or during other everyday activities. It's important to note that with this form of hypoxemia, there is usually no significant impairment of oxygen supply at rest. The goal is to improve oxygen saturation during exertion, potentially alleviate shortness of breath, and increase physical performance, which in turn can have a positive impact on mobility and quality of life.<\/p>\n

If an oxygen deficiency is detected, the necessary oxygen flow rate for adequate oxygenation must be individually determined. The goal is to achieve a partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) of at least approximately 60 mmHg. Millimeters of mercury (mmHg) are the unit of measurement for the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood.<\/p>\n

Oxygen supply is assessed either by measuring blood gases, for example at the earlobe, or using a pulse oximeter on the finger. An oxygen saturation of approximately 90\u201392 mg\/dL is often sufficient; however, target values can vary from person to person and are determined in consultation with the treating physician.<\/p>\n

It should be noted that the required flow rate at rest during the day may differ from that during physical exertion or at night. Oxygen supply must therefore be adjusted to individual needs; personal activity levels and living conditions also play an important role.<\/p>\n

Changes in physical condition may necessitate adjustments to both oxygen requirements and the device. For example, if oxygen was temporarily prescribed in an acute situation, such as due to an infection or hospitalization, it is possible that no additional oxygen supply will be needed after recovery.<\/p>\n

Firstly, there is stationary oxygen supply, which distinguishes between liquid oxygen and stationary oxygen concentrators.<\/p>\n

Liquid oxygen <\/span><\/h2>\n