A disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced, leading to weakness of the skeleton and increased risk of fracture, particularly of the spine, wrist, hip, pelvis, and upper arm. Osteoporosis and associated fractures are an important cause of mortality and morbidity.
In many affected people, bone loss is gradual and without warning signs until the disease is advanced. Osteoporosis is also known as "the silent crippler" because a person usually doesn't know they have it until it's too late. Unfortunately, in many cases, the first real "symptom" is a broken bone. Loss of height – with gradual curvature of the back (caused by vertebral compression fractures) may be the only physical sign of osteoporosis.
In the United States, osteoporosis causes more than 1.5 million fractures every year — most of them in the spine, hip, or wrist. And although it's often thought of as a women's disease, osteoporosis affects many men as well. About 8 million American women and 2 million American men have osteoporosis, and nearly 18 million more Americans may have low bone density. Even children aren't immune.
Ostomy Supplies
Pouching systems may include a one-piece or two-piece system. Both kinds include a faceplate/flange (barrier or wafer) and a collection pouch. The pouch (one-piece or two-piece) attaches to the abdomen by the faceplate/flange and is fitted over and around the stoma to collect the diverted output, either stool or urine. The barrier is designed to protect the skin from the stoma output and to be as neutral to the skin as possible.
One-piece Pouching System The ostomy pouch and skin barrier are joined together permanently. The pouch and skin barrier are applied and removed together – in one piece. Easy to apply and remove and more flexible than a two-piece pouching system.
Two-piece Pouching System The ostomy pouch and skin barrier are separate. The pouch can be removed without removing the skin barrier. Because it is separate from the pouch, the skin barrier can be more easily positioned around the stoma.
Pediatric Pouching Systems Available as either one-piece products or two-piece products and are designed for premature babies, infants, and children. These systems can also be used to manage adult conditions such as small wounds, drain sites, and fistulas. Irrigation systems – Some colostomates can "irrigate," using a procedure analogous to an enema. This is done to clean stool directly out of the colon through the stoma. This requires a special irrigation system, consisting of an irrigation bag with a connecting tube (or catheter), a stoma cone, and an irrigation sleeve. A special lubricant is sometimes used on the stoma in preparation for irrigation. Following irrigation, some colostomates can use a stoma cap, a one- or two-piece system which simply covers and protects the stoma. This procedure is usually done to avoid the need to wear a pouch.
Oxygen Concentrator
Electronically powered device with a series of filters that extract oxygen from room air. Also, a backup system, usually a stationary compressed gas system must always accompany a concentrator in case of power failure or other emergency. Regular household current is sufficient for its use. In limited cases, a humidifier bottle may be necessary to increase moisture to the oxygen as it passes through the tubing to the mask or cannula.
Common Diagnoses:
Chronic Obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD)
Emphysema
Asthma
Chronic Bronchitis
Lung Cancer
Acute Myocardial Infarction
Acute Pulmonary Heart Disease
Congestive Heart Failure
Viral Pneumonia
Bacterial Pneumonia
Bronchlectasis
Oxygen Conserver
A type of regulator, which conserves the amount of gaseous oxygen in portable cylinders. Oximetry testing is required to ensure proper oxygen saturation during use of a conserver.
