Most of the oxygen is carried by red blood cells, which collect oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to all parts of the body. The body closely monitors blood oxygen levels to keep them within a specific range, so that there is enough oxygen for the needs of every cell in the body. A normal blood oxygen level varies between 75 and millimeters of mercury mm Hg. When blood oxygen level is too low compared to the average level of a healthy person, it can be a sign of a condition known as hypoxemia.
This means that the body has difficulty delivering oxygen to all of its cells, tissues, and organs. The most efficient way to monitor blood oxygen levels is by an arterial blood gas or ABG test. For this test, a blood sample is taken from an artery, usually in the wrist. This procedure is very accurate, but it can be a little painful. An ABG test can be difficult to do at home, so a person may wish to do an alternative test, using a small device known as a pulse oximeter.
A pulse oximeter is a small clip that is often put on a finger, although it can also be used on the ear or toe. Although the pulse oximeter test is easier, quicker, and not painful, it is not as accurate as the ABG test.
This is because it can be influenced by factors such as dirty fingers, bright lights, nail polish, and poor circulation to the extremities. For people who wish to purchase a pulse oximeter, there is a range of easy-to-use devices available online. Treatment for low blood oxygen levels includes receiving supplemental oxygen.
This can be done at home when it is called home oxygen therapy or HOT. There is a range of devices for delivering and monitoring HOT, but some of them are considered medications and need a prescription.
Some self-care measures can be taken by people to reduce symptoms of shortness of breath and improve general health and quality of life. These include:. Some people may feel very sick and have good oxygen levels, and some may feel OK, but have poor oxygen levels. Pulse oximetry results may not be as accurate for people with darker skin.
Their oxygen levels are sometimes reported as higher than they really are. People who check their own oxygen levels, or those who check it for them, should keep this in mind when looking at results.
Oxygen levels may be low if someone feels short of breath, is breathing faster than usual, or feels too sick to do their usual daily activities, even if a pulse oximeter says their oxygen levels are normal. November 08, November 03, November 02, October 27, Inspire Me. Advise Me. Better Me. Does my child have ADHD, or are they just being a kid? Comments 0. Add comment. Leave Reply Cancel reply.
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