Blood oxygen level, also know as oxygen saturation, is a percentage that represents the total amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. This amount is obtained by comparing the quantity of circulating hemoglobin that is linked to oxygen with the amount that is not linked to oxygen. Hemoglobin is a protein present on the red blood cells, which is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to various parts of the body. Show Ideally, blood oxygen level should be as close to 100% as possible, generally above 95%, as this indicates that there is a good amount of oxygen circulating. However, people who have chronic respiratory problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can present with lower saturation levels (88-90%), which is an expected finding of little concern. When an oxygen saturation level decreases very quickly or when it's under 85-90% this may be a sign of a serious health problem, such as pneumonia, heart failure, or anemia. These situations require immediate assessment and diagnosis at the hospital and require treatment as soon as possible.
How to increase blood oxygen levelsIn a healthy person, when oxygen saturation is low, between 90 to 95%, it may be a sign of phlegm in the airways, which may be reducing the amount of oxygen that gets to the blood. That's why this decrease in saturation levels is common when you have flu or a cold. Some simple measures you can try to increase blood oxygen levels immediately include:
Increase O2 levels over the long-termSome people may experience low or fluctuating oxygen levels for a more chronic period of time. This may occur with certain respiratory conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema. Patients with a more long-term oxygenation problem can try to increase their levels by regularly performing exercises that promote chest well expansion and more effective inhalation. Examples of such exercises include:
Saturation that is very low, under 85%-90% this may signal a more serious health problem, such as pneumonia. Therefore, it is recommended that you go to a hospital or call for medical help to have a more detailed assessment. While you wait for medical help you can try the techniques above to increase saturation slightly and decrease respiratory effort. It's important to remember that there are several chronic conditions that decrease saturation without indicating an emergency, which is the case of asthma, anemia, COPD, emphysema or heart problems. In these cases, it's important to speak to a doctor to understand what saturation levels may be considered normal. Why oxygen levels are importantOxygen saturation is considered one of the most important vital signs in a medical assessment, together with heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Blood oxygen level is directly linked to abnormalities or illness within the body, and a low level can be a sign of a serious health problem like:
In addition to helping with reaching a diagnosis, oxygen saturation can also be used to monitor how treatment for a determined condition is going. How COVID-19 and oxygen saturation are relatedCOVID-19 is an infection that mainly affects the respiratory system. It causes symptoms such as intense cough, tight chest, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. It is expected for the oxygen level to decrease slightly in people infected with COVID-19, as the lungs are not functioning normally and cannot exchange oxygen properly. Oxygen saturation in people with COVID-19 should be maintained above 90-95%. If levels fall below this range, the patient should be assessed and the doctor may opt to start him or her on oxygen therapy in the hospital setting. In more serious COVID-19 cases, blood oxygen levels can reach a saturation level below 80%, in which hospitalization is usually needed, generally in an ICU. How to measure oxygen levelsBlood oxygen level can be assessed through a test called oximetry. This test can be done in two ways:
Oximetry tests can be done at home with the use of a pulse oximeter. These can usually be purchased at a pharmacy or medical equipment store. If using one at home, ensure your fingers are relatively warm and place on a fingertip without nail polish or artificial nails, as this will guarantee a more precise result. Learn more about oximetry tests and how to measure your oxygen saturation correctly. Normal blood oxygen levelsNormal blood oxygen levels vary according to a person's health history. For people who are generally healthy and do not have a history of chronic diseases, oxygen levels are considered normal when above 95%. It is normal to see saturation levels above 98% most of the time. However, for people who have a history of respiratory diseases (such as COPD or asthma), oxygen saturation can vary between 88 and 95%. Blood oxygen levels below 95% should always be assessed by a doctor who can determine which range is considered to be normal. This normal range will depend on the patient's health history. What foods increase oxygen in the blood?'Look at foods rich in iron and nitrates'
"Foods that are rich in iron and nitrates are the key to increasing oxygen supply throughout your body. So, beetroot, leafy vegetables, pomegranate, garlic, cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts, meat, nuts and seeds help.
What are the signs of lack of oxygen?When your blood oxygen falls below a certain level, you might experience shortness of breath, headache, and confusion or restlessness. Common causes of hypoxemia include: Anemia. ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome)
|