Today we're going to talk about something that's very important to our bodies. That's the level of oxygen in our blood. You've probably heard doctors talk about this, or they stick a little machine in your finger and check. So, what is this? Why is it so important? Let's take a look.
What is blood oxygen level?
Simply put, blood oxygen level , or blood oxygen saturation, is the amount of oxygen in your blood.
We all know that oxygen is essential for life. Our bodies need a certain amount of oxygen to function properly. When we breathe (that is, inhale), the oxygen that enters through our nose or mouth passes through our lungs and is added to our blood. From there, this oxygen travels with the blood to the cells throughout the body. Just think, every tiny cell in our body needs oxygen to produce energy. This energy is what we use for everything from digesting food to thinking to walking.
After the cells use the oxygen, they release carbon dioxide . Again, our blood picks up this carbon dioxide and carries it to the lungs. Then, when we exhale (exhale), it is released.
Our bodies regulate the oxygen levels in our blood in a very unique way. Because, low oxygen levels in the blood, which is called hypoxemia , can lead to very serious illnesses. It can also damage vital organs like our brain and heart. Low oxygen levels in the blood can mean that your lungs or circulatory system are not working properly.
How do you measure this oxygen level?
There are two main ways to measure oxygen levels. One is by taking a blood sample. The other is by using a small device called a pulse oximeter . However, a blood test can provide much more information than an oximeter.
Blood test
Doctors can measure the oxygen level in your blood as part of a larger test. This is called an arterial blood gas test , or ABG test . This measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. It also checks the acid-base balance, or pH , of your blood. Both high and low levels of acidity in your blood are bad for your health.
Pulse Oximetry
A pulse oximeter can measure how much oxygen is in your blood. It's usually a small clip that you clip to your finger or toe. The reading on the oximeter shows how much of your blood is saturated with oxygen. This is called your SpO2 level . It also shows your heart rate. This is a quick, non-invasive way to check if someone's blood oxygen levels are low.
Doctors in hospitals often use these pulse oximeters. You can also buy a pulse oximeter for home use. You can buy these from pharmacies, some stores, or websites.
Why do I need to check my oxygen levels?
Your doctor may want to check your oxygen levels if you have a sudden, serious condition. For example:
- If you have difficulty breathing (even a newborn baby is tested if they have difficulty breathing).
- If you have recently had an injury to your head or neck that has affected your breathing.
- If you have coronavirus disease ``(COVID-19)``.
- If you have pneumonia .
- If you have carbon monoxide poisoning .
- If you have been injured by smoke inhalation (`Smoke inhalation injury`).
- If you have persistent nausea and/or vomiting.
- If you have taken a drug overdose.
Also, if you have any of the following lung conditions, your doctor may check your oxygen levels to see if your treatment is working properly:
- Asthma
- COPD `(Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)`
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Heart Disease
If you are receiving oxygen therapy in a hospital, the medical staff will regularly monitor your oxygen levels to make sure you are getting the right amount of oxygen.
Are there things we can do at home to increase oxygen levels?
There are several ways to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood naturally. Check it out:
- Breathing fresh air: Opening the windows or going outside for a walk increases the amount of oxygen entering your body. This also increases the oxygen level in your blood.
- Quitting smoking: Within two to three weeks of quitting, your blood circulation will improve significantly. Within one to nine months, your shortness of breath will decrease. Both of these things help your body get more oxygen.
- Practice breathing exercises: Simple things like pursed-lip breathing and deep belly breathing can help open your airways and increase the amount of oxygen in your blood.
You can check your oxygen levels at home using a pulse oximeter and see if these natural methods increase your oxygen levels.
However, keep this in mind. If you have an underlying medical condition, especially a serious one like pneumonia or carbon monoxide poisoning, these natural remedies alone may not be able to bring your oxygen levels to a satisfactory level.
If you are experiencing symptoms of hypoxemia , which is low oxygen levels in the blood, go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
Who does these oxygen level tests? How does it work?
A respiratory therapist usually takes a blood sample to check your oxygen levels for the ABG test. This is taken from an artery in your wrist. The sample is then tested by the respiratory therapist or sent to a lab immediately. There, medical laboratory scientists test it.
Any healthcare provider can use a pulse oximeter to check your oxygen levels. You can also use a pulse oximeter at home, either for yourself or for someone else.
Blood draw test details
Before a respiratory therapist takes blood from an artery in your wrist, they may perform something called the Allen test . This involves raising your arm and keeping your wrist flexed. The therapist then applies pressure to the artery in your wrist for a few seconds. This simple test checks to see if both arteries in your wrist are open and working properly.
If you are receiving supplemental oxygen therapy, your oxygen may be turned off about 20 minutes before the blood draw. This is called a room air test . However, if you cannot breathe without supplemental oxygen, your doctor will not do this test.
Unfortunately, drawing blood from an artery can usually be a little more painful than drawing blood from a vein. This is because arteries are deeper than veins and are surrounded by nerves. You may feel a little dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous while the blood is drawn.
The steps to follow when taking blood and checking oxygen levels are as follows:
- You will be seated in a chair or lying on a bed. The respiratory therapist will then find an artery - usually on the inside of your wrist. An ultrasound may also be used to find the artery.
- Once the artery is found, the area is cleaned and disinfected.
- Then a small needle is inserted into the artery and a blood sample is taken. You may feel a sharp pain when the needle is inserted.
- After inserting the needle, a small amount of blood is collected into a syringe.
- Once the blood sample is collected, the needle is removed and a piece of cotton or gauze is applied to the site to stop the bleeding. If you are taking blood thinners, you may need to apply pressure for 5-10 minutes or longer.
- Then a plaster is applied to that area. Then the job is done.
Pulse oximeter details
When you check your oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter, these are the things that happen:
- Your doctor clips a small, plastic electronic device called a pulse oximeter to a part of your body - usually the tip of your finger.
- The oximeter emits a special type of light called infrared light . It passes through your skin and into the blood in your blood vessels (capillaries). It doesn't hurt, and you won't feel anything.
- The oximeter then measures how much light is reflected back by the hemoglobin particles in your blood. This is used to determine the level of oxygen in your blood.
- Within seconds, the oximeter will give you a number that shows your heart rate and oxygen level.
You can also use a pulse oximeter at home. However, keep in mind that the accuracy of the pulse oximeter reading may be reduced due to the following factors:
- The finger you are examining has nail polish on it.
- There is too much light in the room where you are using the oximeter.
- Excessive shaking when using the oximeter.
What do the test results say?
Blood test reports, including oxygen level test reports, usually contain the following information:
- The name of the blood test is what is measured in your blood.
- Is the number and measurement on your blood test result correct?
- That is the normal measurement range for the test.
- Information that shows whether your result is normal, abnormal, low, or high.
If your blood oxygen levels are not normal, it could mean the following:
- You're not getting enough oxygen .
- You're not exhaling enough carbon dioxide .
- Your blood has a pH imbalance (either too acidic or too alkaline).
A test that measures oxygen levels alone cannot diagnose a specific disease. If your results are abnormal, your doctor will order further tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
What is a normal oxygen level?
Different labs may have different normal ranges for what they look for when measuring blood oxygen levels. When you get your blood test report, it will state what the normal ranges are for each measurement from that lab. If you have any questions about your results, be sure to ask your doctor.
For most people, normal oxygen levels, as measured by a pulse oximeter, are between 95% and 100% . If you have a lung condition like COPD or pneumonia, your normal oxygen levels may be lower than this. Your doctor will tell you what levels are acceptable. If you live at high altitude, your oxygen levels may be slightly lower.
The important thing to remember is that pulse oximeters are not always 100% accurate. Your actual blood oxygen level can be 2% to 4% higher or lower than what the oximeter shows. To get a more accurate result, your doctor may want to check your oxygen level with a blood test.
What is low oxygen levels? What are the causes?
Hypoxemia is a condition in which the oxygen level in the blood is lower than normal. (In Sinhala, low oxygen in the blood). Since oxygen is essential for all processes in our body, hypoxemia is often a condition that needs to be taken seriously. The lower the oxygen level, the greater the risk of damage to the body's tissues and organs.
Various medical conditions and situations can prevent your body from delivering normal levels of oxygen to your blood. Here are some common causes of low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia):
- Heart disease
- Lung diseases (e.g. asthma, emphysema, bronchitis)
- Some strong painkillers or other problems that slow breathing
- Sleep Apnea (difficulty breathing while sleeping)
- Inflammation or scarring of your lung tissue
- Living at high altitudes (where there is less oxygen in the air)
If your blood oxygen level is low, your doctor will order further tests to find out what is causing it. A test that measures your oxygen level alone cannot determine the cause.
When should I see a doctor?
If you are using a pulse oximeter at home, call your doctor if your oxygen level is 92% or lower. If it is 88% or lower, go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
If you have a long-term lung disease like COPD or asthma, you will need to see a doctor regularly to make sure your treatment is working properly. If you develop any worrying symptoms related to your lung disease, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Is low oxygen levels a symptom of COVID-19?
COVID- 19 does not affect everyone the same. People who are infected have different symptoms - some have very mild symptoms, others have severe illness. Some people who get COVID-19 - but not all - have low blood oxygen levels. Just because you have other symptoms, your oxygen levels are normal does not mean you don't have COVID-19. Also, you can still have COVID-19 even if your oxygen levels are low.
The only way to know for sure whether you have COVID-19 is to get tested. While a home pulse oximeter can sometimes be helpful, it has limitations and only shows a small part of your health. Don't rely on an oximeter alone to diagnose COVID-19.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, see your doctor as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of low oxygen in the blood?
Symptoms of low blood oxygen levels (Hypoxemia) vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heartbeat
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Confusion
- A blue tinge to your skin, nails, and/or lips .
- A cherry red color to your skin, nails, and/or lips (this is a sign of carbon monoxide poisoning).
Finally, things to remember
Unless you have an underlying health condition that affects your ability to absorb oxygen, you don't need to constantly monitor your blood oxygen levels. While a home pulse oximeter can sometimes be helpful, it's not as accurate as a blood test. If you have symptoms of low blood oxygen levels, such as difficulty breathing, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible.
` Blood oxygen level, oxygen, hypoxemia, pulse oximeter, ABG test, shortness of breath, lung disease
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