What is Boost Oxygen and how is it different from medical oxygen?
Boost Oxygen is a recreational product consisting of 95% pure supplemental oxygen, which is significantly higher than the 21% found in ambient air. It is sold over-the-counter and is marketed for various non-medical purposes, such as athletic performance, altitude acclimation, and general wellness. However, it is fundamentally different from the medical-grade oxygen prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Medical oxygen, which requires a prescription, is classified as a drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is produced to a higher standard (typically 99.2% or purer) with specific therapeutic purposes. It is administered via specialized equipment that delivers a continuous, controlled flow, rather than the brief puffs from a portable can. The FDA does not regulate Boost Oxygen or other supplemental oxygen products like it, as they are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition.
The risks of using supplemental oxygen for medical issues
Using a product like Boost Oxygen to self-treat shortness of breath from a medical condition poses significant dangers. First, it can create a false sense of security, causing individuals to delay seeking proper medical care. For conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, or heart failure, shortness of breath is a serious symptom that requires an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment. The brief, uncontrolled inhalation from a recreational can is not a replacement for the consistent, controlled flow of a prescribed oxygen therapy system. Relying on it could mask a worsening underlying issue or even exacerbate it in some cases.
Another risk comes from the essential oils and scents sometimes added to supplemental oxygen products. For individuals with sensitive airways or lung diseases, these can act as irritants and potentially trigger an asthma attack or other respiratory distress. Furthermore, while rare with short-term use, there is a theoretical risk of oxygen toxicity with prolonged exposure to higher concentrations, especially if used improperly. The most significant danger, however, remains the potential for delaying or forgoing necessary, evidence-based medical intervention.
Medical evidence and expert opinion
Scientific evidence does not support the effectiveness of recreational supplemental oxygen for treating shortness of breath caused by medical conditions. A pulmonologist quoted by the CU Anschutz newsroom noted that a few breaths from a can are unlikely to provide a meaningful impact on blood oxygenation for someone with low levels, stating, “There's not good evidence that adding more oxygen onto normal levels of oxygen helps the body physiologically.” For healthy individuals, the effect is often a placebo, offering a psychological sense of relief rather than a physiological one.
In contrast, continuous flow medical oxygen therapy is a well-researched and proven treatment for patients with hypoxemia (abnormally low levels of oxygen in the blood). Research published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) confirms that prescribed oxygen can reduce breathlessness during exercise for people with COPD who are mildly or moderately hypoxemic. This medical application is vastly different from using a non-regulated, sporadic consumer product.
Key differences between Boost Oxygen and medical oxygen
| Feature | Boost Oxygen (Supplemental) | Medical Oxygen (Prescription) |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 95% pure oxygen | 99.2% or purer |
| Regulation | Regulated by CPSC | Regulated by FDA as a drug |
| Delivery | Brief inhalations from a canister | Continuous, controlled flow via prescription equipment |
| Purpose | Recreational (athletes, wellness, altitude) | Therapeutic (diagnosed medical conditions) |
| Safety for Ill | Potentially dangerous, delays care | Safe and effective when prescribed and monitored |
| Effectiveness for Dyspnea | Not medically proven | Proven for hypoxemic patients |
When to seek medical help for shortness of breath
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, can be a symptom of a wide range of serious conditions, including lung disease, heart failure, blood clots, or severe anxiety. It is not something to be taken lightly or self-treated with recreational products.
You should seek immediate emergency medical care (call 911 or your local emergency number) if you experience:
- Sudden, severe shortness of breath
- Shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or nausea
- Bluish tint to your lips or fingernails (cyanosis)
- Shortness of breath that prevents you from speaking in full sentences
You should make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Worsening long-term shortness of breath
- Shortness of breath with swelling in your feet and ankles
- Trouble breathing when you lie flat
- Wheezing, chills, or a high fever
Conclusion: Making an informed and safe choice
The question, “Does Boost Oxygen work for shortness of breath?” has a clear answer: it does not serve as a medical treatment. While the product is marketed as providing a temporary sense of well-being for healthy individuals, there is no scientific basis for its use in treating shortness of breath caused by an underlying medical condition. The risks associated with delaying appropriate medical care far outweigh any perceived benefits of using a consumer-grade product for serious respiratory issues.
For anyone experiencing unexplained or persistent shortness of breath, the safest and most responsible action is to consult a medical professional. If your symptoms are severe, seek emergency help immediately. Understanding the crucial difference between supplemental oxygen and regulated medical oxygen is key to protecting your health and well-being. A reliable resource for information on lung conditions is the American Lung Association, which provides helpful resources on managing respiratory health. For more information on oxygen therapy from an authoritative source, refer to the American Lung Association's guide on the topic.
