Many people with Covid-19 have low oxygen levels in their blood, even when they feel OK, but having a low oxygen level could be an early warning sign that medical assistance should be sought as soon as possible. It is critical to monitor oxygen levels in the blood in covid patients. This guide discussed how to measure and increase blood oxygen levels at home.
What are Blood Oxygen Levels?
It refers to the amount of oxygen accessible in the blood that travels through your body’s arteries. It is a measurement of how much oxygen your RBCs transport. Everyone need a suitable oxygen-saturated blood balance. Lowering this oxygen-saturated blood balance may result in hypoxemia, a medical disorder.
There are numerous methods for measuring blood oxygen levels, some of which are listed below:
An ABG test can evaluate blood oxygen levels by drawing blood from an artery and measuring the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels before they enter the body.
Another method is to use a pulse oximeter to measure it. It determines the level of oxygen in the blood. Those who have pre-existing medical issues, such as heart or lung disease, should use this gadget to check oxygen levels at home.
Though it is not suggested for people who have Covid-19 to get tested, if they have any symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has, they should. On the other hand, people who are alone at home can use an oximeter to measure their oxygen levels.
What are the Normal Oxygen Levels?
The typical oxygen level is 95 percent or greater. People with persistent lung illness or sleep apnea may have typical levels of approximately 90%. The SpO2 value on the oximeter displays the oxygen percentage in the blood. If you are in home isolation, measure your oxygen levels at least once every six hours. According to the recommendation, if your oxygen levels are around 94 percent or higher, you should not panic, but you should seek immediate medical assistance if they go below 92 percent. If it is less than 90%, the patient must be admitted to the hospital.
What is Hypoxemia (Low Blood Oxygen)?
Hypoxemia is defined as a blood oxygen level less than 90%; it is typically identified via an ABG test and is defined as blood oxygen levels greater than 120 mmHg. Oxygen levels less than 90% are very low, indicating supplemental oxygen needs. It is supplied by an oxygen cylinder linked to the nose through a tube. While in home isolation, it is necessary to monitor the oxygen level and other vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar regularly.
What Happens When You Face Hypoxemia?
If your oxygen level falls below normal, you may have symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, headache, confusion, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Common Causes of Hypoxemia
This is a regular occurrence in covid-19-infected people. Other causes may include heart illness, anemia, pulmonary embolism, congenital heart abnormalities, collapsed lungs, asthma, and COPD.
How to Increase Oxygen Levels?
Proning is one method for increasing your oxygen levels; many doctors suggest it and has been shown to boost your oxygen levels.
What is Proning?
Proning is a technique for safely and precisely turning a patient from their back onto their stomach so the patient is laying face down. It is a medically acknowledged position that enhances oxygenation and breathing comfort. It is a highly beneficial method for persons suffering from Covid-19, especially those isolated at home.
Prone positioning enhances ventilation by keeping alveolar units open and allowing for easier breathing. It should be performed when patients are having difficulty breathing and the oxygen level is less than 94 percent.
How do you pronate?
You will need 4-5 pillows for pronation. Lay down on your stomach and arrange one pillow below your neck, one or two pillows below your chest, and two below your shins. Make sure your stomach does not touch the bed while pronating. Maintain this position for 30 minutes to 2 hours. While proning, you can take a couple additional positions. One of them is lying on one’s stomach. The other positions are lying on the right side, sitting up 60-90 degrees, lying on the left side, and finally back to proning.
Cautions:
- Do not lie down for one hour after eating.
- Maintain pronating positions for as long as you can stand it. If you find it challenging, don’t push yourself.
- Prone can be done for up to 16 hours each day in many cycles if you are comfortable.
- Adjust cushions slightly for pressure relief and comfort.
- Keep a record of any pressure ulcers or injuries.
- In pregnancy, pronation should be avoided.
Some Simple Ways to Raise Your Blood Oxygen Level at Home
While we have mentioned the medically established method of increasing oxygen levels, there are a few more methods that can help you maintain your oxygen levels while at home, such as:
Breathing Exercises
You can enhance your oxygen levels by doing breathing exercises such as bhramari, anulom-vilom, and matsyasan. These activities can help your mind relax while also increasing your oxygen levels.
Get Fresh Air
You should walk or open your windows to obtain some fresh air. Avoid sitting in a suffocating location with no air circulation.
Iron Rich Food
Iron is required for the creation of blood. Some iron-rich foods help enhance blood oxygen levels, so incorporate green leafy vegetables and iron-rich foods like legumes, apples, beans, and others.
Relaxation Techniques
People should try to relax by using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. It will help to reduce tension and increase oxygen levels. Exercises in positive thinking, meditation, and yoga can all be beneficial.
Try Spices and Herbs
Turmeric, oregano, and peppermint are some herbs and spices that are good for your lungs.
Conclusion
It is critical to monitor your health, particularly your oxygen level. You should continuously testing your oxygen level and experimenting with different methods to keep it normal. If you find yourself in a position where your oxygen level declines, you can use the strategies listed above to keep the issue from worsening.