Oxygen Titration

If you need oxygen therapy because of low blood oxygen levels, see the experts at Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. in Joliet and New Lenox, Illinois. The board-certified pulmonologists provide oxygen titration testing to determine how much oxygen you need during home or in-office oxygen therapy. Schedule an oxygen titration test by phone or request one online today.

What is an oxygen titration test?

Oxygen titration testing evaluates your body’s oxygen needs during exercise and at rest. It allows your provider to determine which treatment is best based on your diagnosis and the amount of oxygen present in your bloodstream. 

Oxygen therapy increases oxygen levels in your brain and other organs to prevent worrisome side effects and complications.

Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. also provides air travel evaluations to determine if it's safe for you to fly and whether or not you need portable oxygen while flying. 

Which conditions can oxygen titration address?

You might need oxygen therapy and oxygen titration testing if you develop any of the following:

• Recurring congestive heart failure
• Diffuse interstitial lung disease
• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary hypertension 
• Sarcoidosis
• Lung cancer
• Lung infections

If you experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, morning headaches, restlessness during sleep, snoring, or cognitive changes, see a Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. provider for an evaluation. 

How should I prepare for oxygen titration? 

Come prepared for oxygen titration by wearing comfortable clothes and shoes. Take any medications as you typically do. If you have diabetes, bring test strips, a glucose meter, and fast-acting glucose if asked to. Eat a small meal about two hours before your test.

What happens during oxygen titration?

During the test, a specialist measures your heart rate and oxygen levels at rest, during exercise (typically walking), and after exercise. They complete an arterial blood test and pulse oximetry by checking the pulse of your fingertip, forehead, or earlobe. 

If your oxygen level drops below a certain range during or after exercise, simply breathe in extra oxygen during exercise, and your provider again measures your oxygen levels. Oxygen titration testing typically lasts about 30 minutes.

What can I expect after oxygen titration testing?

Your Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. provider determines if you need oxygen therapy and how much oxygen you should receive. 

Oxygen therapy involves wearing a nasal cannula (a tube) placed under your nose or a face mask that delivers oxygen to your body. The treatment is painless. You might need it only during physical activity, at certain times of the day, or 24 hours a day. Your doctor lets you know what to expect and gives you instructions for effective at-home oxygen therapy use.

Schedule an evaluation at Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. by phone or request one online today to determine if you’re a candidate for oxygen titration testing.