Physician Disease

Supplemental Oxygen Warning

For Patients With Restrictive Lung Disease
A common physician response to breathing problems is to prescribe "supplemental oxygen" to correct the hypoxia. This may be the worst thing to give to a person with healthy lungs, but weak respiratory muscles. Hypoxia is a symptom of shallow breathing and is not the problem. If weak respiratory muscles cannot be addressed directly, then respiratory assistance (non-invasive ventilation) should be considered during periods of hypoxia.

A person with neuromuscular disease may experience this problem only at night when he or she is not able to consciously take deep breaths. Giving supplemental oxygen may further exacerbate the problem by reducing the body's natural drive to breathe deep enough to inhale and exhale properly. Improper use of supplemental oxygen may cause one to slow or even stop breathing.