What Is A Nasal Cannula: A Detailed Overview

A nasal cannula provides Oxygen therapy if you have low Oxygen levels. There are two types of nasal cannulas, one is a high flow, and the other is low flow. In addition, this device has two prongs that sit below your nose and deliver Oxygen directly into your respiratory system through your nostrils.

If your doctor recommends you Oxygen therapy, here is this article that will provide you with all details of what is a nasal cannula, its uses, and how it works.

What Is a Nasal Cannula?

nasal cannula image — (source: globalhealthcare)

Nasal cannulas are medical devices doctors advise you when you cannot breathe sufficient Oxygen. If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other lung problems, you require Oxygen therapy and hence a nasal cannula.

However, there are two variants of a nasal cannula. High flow nasal cannula provides heated and humidified Oxygen into your lungs via the nostrils. They can provide approximately 60 litres of Oxygen per minute. On the other hand, low-flow nasal cannulas do not provide heated or humidified Oxygen and can only provide 4-6 litres of Oxygen per minute.

Now that you know about the definition of nasal cannula, let us know the uses of this device now.

What Are the Uses of a Nasal Cannula?

You will need Oxygen therapy if you have low Oxygen levels in your blood. After using a nasal cannula device, your body will get sufficient Oxygen levels. Hence, you will be energetic and notice reduced fatigue. So, you will be able to breathe better throughout the day resulting in a sound sleep at night. This is where the use of a nasal cannula comes into the picture.

Other than these, doctors also advise a nasal cannula in conditions like bronchopulmonary dysplasia (underdeveloped lungs in new-borns), trauma, heart failure, etc.

What Are the Risk of Using a Nasal Cannula?

Although Oxygen therapy has several benefits, it doesn't come free of risks. If you are under treatment for longer, you may develop several complications. Here are some risks associated with this device:

Nasal Dryness: A common risk associated with nasal cannulas is nasal dryness as you steam dry Oxygen inside through your nostrils. This might irritate your nostrils as well.
Nose Bleeding: Due to extremely high-flow Oxygen passing through your nostrils, the walls of your nostrils might dry. This can cause nose bleeding.
Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity: This disease, due to a nasal cannula, damages your lungs as there is excess Oxygen in your blood. This damages your air passage.
Stomach Bloating: If you are under anaesthesia for a longer period, it might cause bloating of the stomach or abdominal distension. This happens due to a high-flow nasal cannula, which has lower positive air pressure allowing gas to enter your digestive system.
Pneumothorax: While you are under treatment with a high-flow nasal cannula, you might develop a risk of a collapsed lung. This is caused due to too much pressure build-up in your respiratory system.

How Does a Nasal Cannula Work?

A nasal cannula delivers supplemental Oxygen in hospitals. However, you might require treatment at home if you have specific conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

What Are the Components of a Nasal Cannula?

A nasal cannula comes with the following components:

Oxygen Concentrator

This device helps to supply concentrated Oxygen via cannula. You can keep large stationary concentrators at your home; the smaller ones are portable and can carry them anywhere.

Oxygen Tank

Oxygen tanks hold liquid oxygen or compressed gas and are not portable.

Oxygen Serving Machine

An Oxygen-conserving device is helpful if you require an Oxygen tank with compressed gas as it regulates Oxygen flow.

Now let us see how this device works:

A nasal cannula contains two prongs that are open and sit inside your nostrils.
The tube connects to a source of Oxygen, delivering Oxygen flow inside your nostrils.
Nasal cannulas connect to Oxygen concentration tanks that provide output similar to CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure systems.
Your doctor will calibrate the exact supply of Oxygen to adequate levels as per your requirements.

These devices are less invasive, and some nasal cannulas also come with a face mask. However, you can normally eat and talk if you wear a cannula.

What Is the maintenance Procedure of a Nasal Cannula?

Most physicians will recommend you change your nasal cannulas once a week if you are using them regularly. Here is the maintenance procedure of a nasal cannula:

If you are using the device for a longer period, regularly washing it is mandatory. Avoiding this will result in the building up of bacteria and germs that might lead to severe infection.
Try to clean your cannula with an alcohol wiper which will disinfect the device since you are using it continuously.
Soak the tube in lukewarm water with a small quantity of dish soap. Add a bit of white vinegar that will instantly kill bacteria or germs.
After thoroughly and carefully washing the cannula, rinse it properly in cold water. Ensure it is not soapy and dry it before re-using it.
When you plan to change your cannula, ensure to keep a stock of extra supplies of the same handy.
If there is a power outage, have a proper backup plan at home. You can use Oxygen tanks as a backup plan for Oxygen concentrators.
Fire safety is of utmost importance if you are taking supplemental Oxygen at home. Always keep your Oxygen equipment away from the open flames as it is inflammable and can cause a fire.

What Is the Cost and Insurance of a Nasal Cannula?

Depending on the number of disposable tubes and the length of the cannula, a nasal cannula amounts to Rs. 1600/- to Rs. 3500/-. If you provide ample proof, most insurance companies will cover nasal cannulation by assessing the following criteria:

They will assess if you have arterial blood gases within a specific range.
In case your alternative measures have failed, they will provide nasal cannulas.
If your physician prescribes that your health condition will improve by the Oxygen therapy, your insurance will cover a nasal cannula.
In case you have a severe lung problem, Oxygen therapy is necessary, and you will need a nasal cannula.

Apart from all these, your insurance will cover the cost of Oxygen containers, all tubes, Oxygen supply system that is needed to provide Oxygen to you. Additionally, the cost covers regular maintenance and adds certain personal benefits that you can enjoy.

So, now you know what is nasal cannula used for and how it helps you with oxygen therapy. Doing this will improve the quality of your life, and you will also be able to perform your routine activities as it makes you energetic. But before using one, you can discuss with your doctor your health condition and if the cannula delivered Oxygen will be the correct decision for you.

FAQs About Nasal Cannula

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When can my doctor recommend a nasal cannula?

Apart from asking you to wear a nasal cannula for certain health conditions, your doctor can recommend you to use a nasal cannula if you have claustrophobia or any nasal injury.

Is a nasal cannula better than a face mask?

A nasal cannula is placed better than a face mask and helps to maintain saturation in most people. Oxygen supply is better in a nasal cannula than in a face mask.