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Still on Oxygen therapy? Here’s When You Should See Your Specialist


pulmonologist speaking to a patient on oxygen therapy

Oxygen helps you breathe — but did you know your needs can change over time? This guide helps you stay in control of your therapy, based on real medical research.


Introduction: Breathing Better Means Staying Informed


Home oxygen therapy can be life-saving. It helps you breathe easier, stay active, and avoid hospital visits. But here’s something many people don’t realize:


Your oxygen needs can change and sometimes, you may not need it at all.

A 2022 study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that up to 40% of patients who start oxygen therapy after being hospitalized (such as for pneumonia or COVID-19) no longer need it within 90 days (Criner et al., 2022).


Meanwhile, other patients may need adjustments to their oxygen settings — or a different device — as their condition progresses or improves.


That’s why seeing your lung specialist or respiratory care team at the right time is essential.


This guide from Respocare helps you understand when to check in and why it matters, with support from current medical research and clinical guidelines.




1. When You First Start Oxygen Therapy


Why this visit matters:Your body is adjusting, and it’s important to confirm that you’re on the right oxygen flow rate. A specialist can also show you how to use the equipment safely and answer any questions.


When to go:Within 1 to 2 weeks of starting home oxygen.


What the research says:A 2021 article in Chest found that 20–30% of people starting home oxygen are on the wrong flow rate or using the device incorrectly, especially when prescribed without specialist oversight (Chan et al., Chest, 2021).


2. A Few Weeks After Leaving the Hospital


Why this visit matters:If you started oxygen therapy after an illness like pneumonia, COVID-19, or heart failure, you may not need it long term. A check-up can help you avoid using oxygen longer than necessary.


When to go: 4 to 12 weeks after hospital discharge or starting oxygen.


What the research says: According to Criner et al. (2022), about 40% of patients no longer need oxygen after recovering from acute illness, but continue to use it due to lack of reassessment.


3. If You’re Feeling Worse or Notice New Symptoms


Why this visit matters: Symptoms such as increased shortness of breath, fatigue, or confusion may mean your oxygen settings are no longer appropriate or your condition has changed.


When to go: As soon as you notice changes in how you feel.


What the research says:The European Respiratory Society reports that early specialist evaluation can reduce hospitalizations by up to 25%, simply by catching problems early and adjusting oxygen needs accordingly (ERS Guidelines, 2019).


4. Every 6 to 12 Months for Routine Check-Ups


Why this visit matters:Even if you feel stable, regular check-ups help ensure your oxygen therapy is still right for you. Specialists also inspect your equipment, check for side effects, and update your care plan.


When to go: Every 6 to 12 months.


What the research says: Long-term studies like the LOTT Trial (New England Journal of Medicine, 2016) show that oxygen needs change in over 35% of patients within the first year, making regular follow-ups essential.


5. Before You Travel or Have Surgery


Why this visit matters: Airplanes and medical procedures can affect your oxygen levels. Your specialist may recommend temporary changes or help you plan safe oxygen use during travel or surgery.


When to go:2 to 4 weeks before travel or a scheduled operation.


What the research says :A 2019 article in Thorax found that over 50% of patients on oxygen experience dangerous drops in oxygen levels during flights if not properly prepared (Coker et al., Thorax, 2019).


Self-Check: Should I See My Specialist?


  • I recently started home oxygen therapy

  • I left the hospital in the last few weeks

  • I feel more short of breath, tired, or unwell

  • I haven’t had a check-up in over 6 months

  • I’m planning a trip or surgery


If you answered YES to any of these questions, it’s time to talk to your doctor or respiratory specialist.



Restore Your Freedom with Respocare’s Portable Oxygen Solutions


Don’t let oxygen therapy hold you back from living your life.


If you’re feeling limited by large tanks or tubing, it might be time to explore portable oxygen options. At Respocare, we offer lightweight, travel-friendly devices designed for people who want to stay active.


Our portable oxygen systems can help you:

  • Move around more easily

  • Travel by car or plane

  • Use a quiet, compact device

  • Get 24/7 customer support


Breathe better. Move freely. Live fully.


Ask your care team about switching to a portable device or contact Respocare directly for information.



Need Help Finding a Specialist?


Respocare works closely with doctors, hospitals, and homecare providers to ensure that you get the oxygen therapy support you need. If you need help scheduling a follow-up, adjusting your therapy, or learning how to use your device, we’re here to help.

Contact Respocare’s Oxygen Support Team today.





References

  • Chan, E. D., Chan, M. M., & Chan, M. M. (2021). Challenges in Long-Term Oxygen Therapy. Chest, 159(1), 250–260.

  • Criner, G. J., et al. (2022). Reevaluating Oxygen Use After Acute Illness. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 205(2), 210–219.

  • Coker, R. K., et al. (2019). Risk of Desaturation in Flight. Thorax, 74(3), 282–283.

  • LOTT Research Group. (2016). A Randomized Trial of Long-Term Oxygen for COPD with Moderate Desaturation. New England Journal of Medicine, 375, 1617–1627.

  • ERS/ATS Task Force on Home Oxygen (2019). ERS/ATS Guidelines for Long-Term Oxygen Therapy.

 
 
 

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