Effect of Using Oxygen Concentrators on Oxygen Saturation after COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Aim: Chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure may develop due to lung damage in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Therefore, chronic respiratory failure that requires continuous oxygen support may develop. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of using oxygen concentrators on oxygen saturation after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Material and Method: The study included 42 patients who used oxygen concentrators and 66 patients who did not use concentrators and applied to Ankara Training and Research Hospital Pulmonology Outpatient Clinic between January 1, and April 8, 2021 after COVID-19 infection. Patients received a sociodemographic data questionnaire and a COVID-19 infection severity questionnaire, which were completed through face-to-face interviews. Patients’ oxygen saturation levels were also measured and recorded at the time of interview. Results: Those using oxygen concentrators were older and had less education (p=0.001; p=0.03, respectively). Patients who complained of shortness of breath during infection were mostly in the oxygen concentrator group, while those who had headaches and diarrhoea were mostly in the group that did not require concentrators. The group using oxygen concentrators had longer hospital stays due to COVID-19 infection (p=0.001). Patients using oxygen concentrators had higher rates of pulmonary involvement and lower oxygen saturation levels (p=0.001). Conclusion: Patients who complained of dyspnea at the time of their COVID-19 diagnosis were more likely to require a concentrator at a later stage. Other factors influencing the need for concentrators include advanced age and education level. Patients using an oxygen concentrator had lower oxygen saturation levels, but the mean value was higher.