On World Oxygen Day, we must emphasize that oxygen therapy is just as vital as any prescribed medication, and access to it should be as seamless and readily available as picking up a prescription from the pharmacy. But it is not.

Doctors prescribe supplemental oxygen to help alleviate breathlessness, reduce stress on organs, and help patients maintain an active lifestyle. More than 1.5 million people living with lung and respiratory diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease rely on supplemental oxygen to improve their quality of life and sustain their health.

For many patients who require higher rates of oxygen flow, typically greater than about 3 liters per minute with activity, liquid oxygen is the most portable and effective way of receiving oxygen therapy outside of the home. Imagine a person wanting to attend their child or grandchild’s sporting event, but needing to climb a flight of stairs to reach the field. In such a situation, they may require a higher flow of oxygen than a portable concentrator can typically provide, while carrying a traditional gas cylinder could be too physically demanding.

The same applies to everyday activities like grocery shopping or attending church. Patients without access to liquid oxygen, who are unable to manage the weight of a heavy gas cylinder, lose a significant part of their independence and quality of life, limiting their ability to engage in anything outside the home. While available in the past, liquid oxygen has become increasingly difficult to obtain due to changes in the reimbursement system.

This situation is very frustrating to all of us in the pulmonary field. The good news is that there is an indication that we might be able to change that by the SOAR (Supplemental Oxygen Access  Reform) Act, which has been introduced by bipartisan members of Congress. The SOAR Act would increase access to liquid oxygen and other supportive services for people who require home oxygen.

We encourage our patients, family members and caregivers, to advocate with your elected officials such as senators and representatives in Congress. Urge them to sign on to the SOAR Act to help improve access to liquid oxygen and other needed services.

We hope the healthcare system, oxygen providers, and government will recognize that oxygen is an essential, lifesaving therapy and should be treated with the same priority and accessibility as any other prescribed medication.

About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 

At the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a form of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Pulmonary fibrosis is a process that causes lung scarring, in which fibrotic tissue blocks the movement of oxygen from inside the tiny air sacs in the lungs into the bloodstream. Low oxygen levels, and the stiff scar tissue itself, can cause people with pulmonary fibrosis to feel short of breath, particularly when walking and exercising. Over 250,000 Americans are living with PF today. Approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and as many as 40,000 Americans die from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) each year.

As the largest organization committed to raising awareness and providing support, our mission is to accelerate the development of new treatments and ultimately a cure for pulmonary fibrosis. Until this goal is achieved, the PFF is committed to advancing improved care of patients with PF and providing unequaled support and education resources for patients, caregivers, family members, and healthcare providers.