Oxygen level in blood is the amount of oxygen in our blood. In our body, every single cell needs oxygen. The blood provides oxygen throughout the body. We get 90% energy from oxygen. When we inhale, fresh oxygen comes into our lungs. Red blood cells (RBC) bind with this oxygen and carry it throughout the body.
Why is oxygen important?
No function can perform in our body without oxygen. It is the essential nutrition for our cells. Oxygen gives energy and power to our bodies and muscles. It makes us able for physical activity. Adequate oxygen level in blood keeps you safe too.
How is oxygen level measured in blood?
Measuring blood oxygen is called oxygen saturation. It is measured by a pulse oximeter, a small device that is clipped to the finger. It determines the RBCs ratio that carries oxygen.
Levels of blood oxygen
Our oxygen level in the blood tells the condition of our heart, lungs, and circulatory system. The normal oxygen level of a healthy person is from 95% to 100%. People suffering from emphysema, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can have lower readings. A low oxygen level is called hypoxemia.
Symptoms of low blood oxygen level
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Rapid breathing
- Restlessness
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Lack of coordination
- Rapid heartbeat
How accurate is the pulse oximeter?
Sometimes there is an error in oximeter reading. It can affect by the following aspects:
- Patient movement
- Skin pigmentation
- Intravenous dyes
- Some kinds of lighting
- Exposure to carbon monoxide
- Nail polish
How to increase the oxygen level in the blood?
Below are some ways you must follow to increase the blood oxygen level.
- Diet
Take a balanced and healthy diet to maintain your oxygen level in the blood. Use mostly fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants let your body use more oxygen and make digestion better.
- Breath exercise
To increase the oxygen level in the blood, you should do breath exercises such as deep belly breathing and pursed-lip breathing to open the airways and increase the oxygen level.
- Quit smoking
Smoking directly affects your lungs and their functions. A smoker is unable to take enough oxygen by inhaling. So, if you are a smoker, quit it immediately. By quitting smoking, your blood circulation will be better and your oxygen level will also improve.
- Cleanse the air
Make it possible to purify the air within your home and workplace. You can have purifiers available in markets that filter environmental pollutants. Beeswax candles are also helpful to purify the air. These candles don’t release smoke.
- Hydration
Our body consists of 60% of water. It needs plenty of water to perform its functions. You must drink an appropriate amount of filtered water to maintain the oxygen level that you get from water.
- Exercise
Aerobic exercise like walking is best to improve the oxygen level. It allows the body to utilize oxygen and remove waste from the body through the lymphatic system.
- Supplemental oxygen
Doctors also give supplemental oxygen to patients having low blood oxygen levels. It helps you to recover quickly and stay active.