A low level of oxygen in the blood, in addition to revealing the presence of possible lung disease, can also cause the body’s cells to have difficulty adequately carrying out their functions, especially in the heart and brain.
For this reason, and more so in times of pandemic in which validating that a correct breathing process is in place is vital to face respiratory problems, it is important to work to increase oxygen levels in the blood.
The normal level of oxygen in the blood is 75 to 100 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Values less than 60 mmHg indicate the need for supplemental oxygen and therefore medical attention.
What happens if you have low blood oxygen levels?
Low oxygen in your blood is called hypoxemia. This happens when your lungs cannot take enough oxygen in from the normal air to keep all of your body cells alive. When this happens you need extra oxygen.
When you are low on oxygen, you may have symptoms of low oxygen levels such as:
- feel tired
- have problems sleeping
- have problems doing normal daily activities such as eating, dressing, and walking
- have poor concentration, mild confusion, or forget things
- have morning headaches
- feel irritable
- feel shorter of breath
- have an abnormal heartbeat
- have swollen ankles
Damage to the lungs from low oxygen happens over time. You may not feel these changes for a long time.
What is a dangerously low oxygen level?
What is the normal level of oxygen? People who are breathing normally, who have relatively healthy lungs (or asthma under control), will have a blood oxygen level of 95% to 100%.
Any value between 92% and 88% is still considered safe and average for someone with moderate to severe COPD.
Below 88% it becomes dangerous, and when it drops to 84% or less, it’s time to go to the hospital. About 80% or less is dangerous to your vital organs, so you should get treatment right away.
How to increase oxygen level at home immediately?
There are a number of things you can do to help increase your blood oxygen level. In the short term:
Stand or sit up straight. Instead of lying down, which can put pressure on your lungs and make it hard to breathe.
If you have a cold or the flu, shortness of breath can lower the oxygen saturation in your blood. Coughing can loosen secretions and clear the airways.
To go outside. Fresh air is good for your lungs and generally contains higher levels of oxygen. However, if it’s too hot or too cold, that can make it hard for you to breathe.
Drink a lot of water. Properly hydrated lungs are more efficient at dispersing oxygen into the bloodstream.
Take slow, deep breaths. This should increase the amount of air going into your lungs.
How to increase oxygen level in body?
Tips to increase your blood oxygen level in the long term:
It can increase the amount of oxygen in the blood naturally. Some forms include:
Practice breathing exercises: Pulmonary rehabilitation experts recommend using simple breathing exercises, such as pursed-lip breathing and deep abdominal breathing, to open your airways and increase the amount of oxygen in your body.
Open the windows or go outside for some fresh air: Something as simple as opening the windows or taking a short walk increases the amount of oxygen your body takes in, which increases the overall level of oxygen in your blood.
Grow some plants: Houseplants have been shown to help purify indoor air. They remove carbon dioxide and replenish a room’s oxygen levels, making more oxygen available for your body to absorb.
How to check oxygen level at home?
First, you can use a pulse oximeter to check your blood oxygen level at home and use some of these natural approaches to increase your blood oxygen level on your own.
Next, there are two main ways to measure or test blood oxygen levels: through a blood draw test and through pulse oximetry (using an oximeter). A blood draw test provides much more information about your oxygen levels than an oximeter.
Due to the non-invasive nature and relative importance of pulse oximetry readings, there are very few situations that do not indicate their use.
Pulse oximetry can provide a quick tool to accurately assess oxygenation.
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