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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Much Better Can A Person Relying On Oxygen 24/7 Do In A Lower Altitude?

my wife is on oxygen 24/7 5l she does very little no stairs we live at altitude Denver will her lung function be that much better at a lower altitude and what time frame would it normally take to see if it would do anything for her at all 1 day, 1 week, 6 months would like to know as can not afford to do this unless this can or even will make a difference for her do not want to do something that will put us in a situation that we can not return but if it will help her I would be all in no matter what
Wed, 26 Feb 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

Since there is decreased partial pressure of alveolar Oxygen at higher altitude, there is increased demand of Oxygen.
In case of individuals with respiratory compromise, supplemental Oxygenation is needed to maintain adequate Oxygen saturation in the lungs.
As a result your wife needs 5L Oxygen/min.

But if she is taken to a lower altitude, the requirement of supplemental Oxygen will subsequently reduce as the alveolar partial pressure will be maintained at lower altitude.
You will be able to appreciate the change as she descends down the altitude.
Kindly discuss with her treating Doctor regarding this.

Wishing a good health.
Take care.
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How Much Better Can A Person Relying On Oxygen 24/7 Do In A Lower Altitude?

Hello dear, Since there is decreased partial pressure of alveolar Oxygen at higher altitude, there is increased demand of Oxygen. In case of individuals with respiratory compromise, supplemental Oxygenation is needed to maintain adequate Oxygen saturation in the lungs. As a result your wife needs 5L Oxygen/min. But if she is taken to a lower altitude, the requirement of supplemental Oxygen will subsequently reduce as the alveolar partial pressure will be maintained at lower altitude. You will be able to appreciate the change as she descends down the altitude. Kindly discuss with her treating Doctor regarding this. Wishing a good health. Take care.