How to Get Off of Oxygen-Assisted Breathing

Oxygen-assisted breathing is a great aid when necessary, but it can be a burden to remain on oxygen for too long. Lugging around an oxygen tank is a hassle and, if your insurance does not cover it, expensive. Over time, many people are able to wean themselves off of oxygen. While there is no set time-span for this type of procedure, it can quite often be accomplished with no additional tools in a relatively short period of time.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult a medical professional to be sure that you are healthy enough to be weaned off of oxygen-assisted breathing.

• 2

  Determine whether or not the medical condition that necessitated assisted breathing is still present. If it is, you will need to consider alternative treatment options.

• 3

  Discuss the implications of getting weaned off of assisted breathing with your family and anyone else who will be affected.

• 4

  Begin the weaning process by periodically attempting to breathe in a relaxed state without using the machine. Attempt to breathe on your own, but do not hesitate to use assistance. Consult a medical professional throughout this process to ensure that you do not go too fast.

• 5

  Consult a healthcare practitioner to ensure that you can breathe for short periods without assistance according to his or her standards.

• 6

  Begin breathing on your own whenever possible. Use assistance whenever you are stressed, short of breath or exert yourself more than normal.

• 7

  Continue this process of gradual weaning. Use less and less oxygen as you go along, until you feel confident in your ability to breathe without assistance.

• 8

  Consult a medical professional before fully terminating your reliance on oxygen-assisted breathing, as a precaution.