Val contributed a valuable piece regarding the dangers of using oxygen in
individuals with PPS who are experiencing hypoxia and reduced oxygen
saturation. Administering nasal oxygen will provide feedback to the brain
respiratory center that our oxygen need is satisfied, cause additional reduced
ventilation, and more dangerously, will cause an accumulation of carbon
dioxide in the blood resulting in CO 2 narcosis, coma, and eventually death.
If ventilation is improved via a ventilator and the oxygen saturation is still
low, then oxygen can be added to the ventilated air. This is often necessary
in PPSers who get pneumonia or other respiratory problems. Most of the time,
only improved ventilation of room air is necessary in PPSers who are suffering
respiratory insufficiency due to weakened respiratory muscles. Most PPSers
who require assisted breathing will recover more energy as a result of
improved ventilation. Our respiratory muscles are the only muscles (other
than cardiac) that are constantly working. I think that is why more and more
PPSers are developing respiratory problems. We can rest other muscles, but
not our respiratory muscles.
Also, in the condition of hypoventilation, as the carbon dioxide goes up in
our blood, our blood's ph is changed and other metabolic consequences result.
In conclusion, most PPSers with hypoventilation problems simply need improved
movement of air in and out of our lungs (ventilation) and would only need
added oxygen if hypoxia exists despite improved ventilation.
I hope this is clear.
Henry (physican with a trach and vent for 28 years)