Although the percentage of smokers is gradually going down, there are still many millions smoking daily and every day new smokers join these ranks - and one of the results of this is that many of them will end up with breathing problems.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is many time the end result. All smokers run this risk and in fact 20% of them will develop COPD. And of all COPD sufferers, 90% of them did smoke in the past. Even though the figures speak for themselves every day new smokers are born.

For most people this will mean a lot of suffering, reduced activities, general weakness and the need for a continuous use of extra oxygen and the lungs can no longer absorb the required amount (no oxygen - no life).

Anyone who has smoked for any length of time will have a certain amount of lung damage and this is usually irreversible (it will depend of a few factors that include how long they have smoked, at what age they started, how much did they smoke and physical characteristics). But having said that lung damage will be less when you stop smoking.

Oxygen therapy is being prescribed for most cases and the statistical results are that life expectancy is much greater. Thanks to this therapy patients are no longer lost in a maze of clinics, but can now keep on practicing most normal activities. We all need oxygen to stay alive and being alive is more than just surviving. As the additional oxygen is received, together with more modern and practical ways of delivering, it many patients can lead active lifestyles - and this means less psychological limitations which after all does have a lot to do with quality of life.

Having said all that, there are two points that must be made.

The first is preventive measures. We as a society are much more aware of the dangers of smoking and the legislation and conviction are reduced numbers of smokers, or at least smoking opportunities. This still means that many millions will require oxygen therapy in the future - but at least it’s not as any as could be. (The social costs can only be measured in billions of dollars).

The second relates to activity and quality of life. Home-stationary oxygen delivery machines are available as are oxygen tanks, cylinders and concentrators. These are also been constantly upgraded, bettered and even redesigned all of which will provide greater levels of activity and mobility.

It used to be that a patient that needed oxygen full time would be stuck to a clinic. If extra oxygen had to be given on a partial basis (not 24/7), then continuous visits had to be made. Now patients can get home oxygen systems as well as portable ones. This has made a great difference from all points of view - work, social activities and travel, both short distances and even flights. As a point of fact, the FAA has authorized certain oxygen concentrators on board flights.

Aside from these there is a whole range of accessories that are used - these include oximeters to measure oxygen blood saturation, cannulas (those hoses that deliver the oxygen to the nose or mouth) flow regulators.