The current COVID-19 era has revealed to us the connectivity of our lung health with oxygen levels. And in recent days, most uptrend fitness trackers have been manufactured with add-on features that can measure your blood oxygen levels.
Low oxygen levels in the blood conditions are less harmful in the case of people who are fit to recover. It is also seen among healthy people when they travel at higher altitudes. Such people do not need frequent monitoring of their blood oxygen levels. Chronic lung diseases, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis or emphysema, and COVID condition may have blood oxygen levels below the normal due to their illness. These cases may regularly require blood oxygen monitoring. Hence, your healthcare provider/medical practitioner must know and make you aware of the factors causing your breathing problems and then prescribe the apt treatment.
People with low blood oxygen complaints should change their lifestyles, such as sticking to a no smoking routine, diet restrictions, switching to exercise, yoga and supplemental oxygen treatment.
How is blood oxygen level measured?
The prevailing COVID period has shown a sudden spike in the sales of pulse oximeters meant for measuring the blood oxygen level. The efficient way to monitor blood oxygen levels is an arterial blood gas (ABG) test, where sample blood is obtained from our artery, mostly in the wrist area. ABG test is known for its accuracy, but it may be a bit painful procedure. This procedure can be challenging to do at home. Hence, the best alternative can be a pulse oximeter, a small handy device.
A pulse oximeter device comprises a small clip that is placed on a finger. Either using the right middle finger or right thumb has proven to be of statistically higher value, that is suitable for a pulse oximeter. Alternatively, it is also used on the ear or toe. It gives a measurement of the blood oxygen level by light absorption through an individual’s pulse. The SpO2 reading on a pulse oximeter reveals the percentage of oxygen in your blood.
The blood oxygen levels measured using a pulse oximeter is the Pulse Oximetry, where the measure of level or oxygen saturation level in the blood is monitored. It is a user-friendly and painless method to evaluate the levels of oxygen sent to various parts of our body from your heart. In case if supplemental oxygen is provided to you, to breathe, this test will ensure you of getting enough oxygen.
Some of the factors influencing the measure of blood oxygen by the pulse oximeter are dirty fingers, wet and cold fingers, nail enamel/polish stains, use of nicotine, bright illuminations, thick skin and poor circulation to the other parts of the body.
What does my blood oxygen level tell me?
Consistently, an average percentage of oxygen inside your blood is required for your essential system's normal functioning, which is oxygen saturation.
Your blood oxygen level measure indicates the level of oxygen being circulated with your red blood cells (RBCs). Blood oxygen levels or arterial oxygen denotes the oxygen levels in the blood flowing through the body's arteries (blood vessels).
Your blood oxygen level is measured in terms of percentage. The blood oxygen level of 90 to 100 percent indicates a normal condition. In case of the SpO2 reading of lower than 90 percent is observed, then you need to contact your doctor.
This condition is often known as Hypoxemia, a below-normal level of oxygen in your blood, mainly in the arteries. Hypoxemia signals the upcoming problems in breathing or circulation and finally results in shortness of breath.
What are the causes of low blood oxygen levels in your body?
- Blood clots in the lung
- Loss of tissue in the lung
- Cases of intoxication
- Movement from low altitude to high altitude areas
When should you consult your doctor?
You can consult your doctor, in case you
- Encounter severe, immediate shortness of breath
- Wake up in sleep suddenly due to shortness of breath and finally choke
- Sudden shortness of breath when you are at rest.
- Shortness of breath that intensifies while you are in a session exercise or physical activity
- When people are at a high altitude (say, above 8,000 feet), they may experience shortness of breath associated with symptoms such as cough, increased heartbeat rate and fluid retention.
How Does COVID-19 influence blood oxygen Levels?
Covid-19 directly affects the lungs and results in the damage of the alveoli (small air sacs). The alveolus transfers oxygen to the blood vessels. Very often cases of severe COVID-19 infections have lower oxygen levels in their blood. When an individual is affected by a novel coronavirus infection, it stays into your lungs about 1 week after the first symptom. The common symptom will be shortness of breath, hypoxemia. They are usually treated with supplemental oxygen. Oxygen concentrators are also used for patients with post-COVID complications which is necessary oxygen therapy.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
“Hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood) may eventually result in loss of life. When oxygen levels become low because of a sickness such as Covid-19, the cells in the body don’t get enough oxygen to perform their normal functions.”
If the same lower level persists for long, vital organs start to malfunction due to lack of treatment and lead to death under severe conditions.
Continuous and effective monitoring of worsening symptoms is essential. This may further lead to ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). Note that the pulse oximeter cannot diagnose COVID-19, but the readings can help you monitor for symptomatic conditions associated with the virus. Pulse oximetry results can be as accurate for people with darker skin tone and their oxygen levels are sometimes reported as higher than their actual one.
Oxygen levels ranging from 90 to 100 percent are considered normal in the elderly age groups. Once the COVID infection is diagnosed, it is necessary to check the oxygen level periodically. A higher risk is felt in the older people when oxygen levels are lesser than 95 percent. It is very crucial for the elderly to have an oxygen level of greater than 90 percent.
Preventive measures to reduce the symptoms of shortness of breath
People can practice some preventive measures to avoid symptoms of shortness of breath and improve general health and quality of living.These include:
- Quit smoking habits
- Avoid passive smoking
- Healthy dietary intake which includes fruits and vegetables
- Maintain fitness with routines of exercise and physical activity
- Intake of Vitamin C supplements
Final thoughts
Low oxygen levels are a warning sign that immediate medical support is needed. In underlying health conditions in particularly heart or lung diseases, in stages of recovery from COVID-19, it is vital to track your blood oxygen levels. If you prefer to monitor from home, discuss with your doctor the usage of the pulse oximeter device, understand the reading and finally evaluate the results.
If you are healthy, there is no necessity to have a pulse oximeter device at home to monitor your blood. You always consult your doctor before deciding on your oxygen levels, thereby avoiding panic about your medical conditions.
