What should be done if the oxygen level in the body decreases?

In such a situation, one has to think fast because low oxygen levels can lead to serious health complications. The causes of dropping oxygen level and how one can cope with the situation are hereby presented so that lives can be saved in case something like that happens. Here is an all-inclusive guide on what to do if your or someone else’s reading of oxygen level is low.

ঘরে বসে নার্সিং সার্ভিস পেতে এখানে ক্লিক করুন: Nursing Agency

বাসায় বসে মেডিকেল সার্ভিস পেতে এখানে ক্লিক করুন: Maisha Care 

বাসায় বসে কেয়ারগিভার সার্ভিস পেতে এখানে ক্লিক করুন: Caregiver Agency

ঘরে বসে অক্সিজেন সিলিন্ডার পেতে এখানে ক্লিক করুন: Oxygen Cylinder

Understanding Low Oxygen Levels

The oxygen level is usually measured using a pulse oximeter, which shows the percentage of oxygen in the blood; the normal level is usually between 95% and 100%, but if it runs below 90%, that is considered low, and then medical advice becomes necessary.

There are many causes for the low levels of oxygen, including:

• Respiratory Conditions: The common lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pneumonia, etc., can decrease the quantity of oxygen that is to be entered into the blood.
• Heart conditions: Conditions like heart failure and others may decrease the body’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body.
• Altitude: At high altitudes, as there is a shortage of oxygen in the air, it may result in hypoxemia.
• Anemia: A decreased number of healthy red blood cells lowers the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity.
  Sleep Apnea: It’s a sleeping disorder whereby one stops breathing and starts afresh, repetitively, while sleeping due to the low level of oxygen.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The first step in addressing low oxygen levels is recognizing the symptoms, which can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Confusion or dizziness
• Bluish color in the lips or face (cyanosis)
• Fatigue or weakness

Immediate Measures to Be Taken

• If one develops symptoms of lack of oxygen, treat it at once. Here is what you must do:

Check Oxygen Levels:

• Measure the oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter. If it is low, that is, less than 90 percent, then it is a call for action.

Good Ventilation:

• Move to a well-ventilated area. In case you are indoors, just open the windows and doors. If you happen to be outdoors, go down to a lower altitude if the hypoxemia is as a result of high altitude.

Position Change:

• In case you are lying down, stand up and sit or prop your back with some pillows. When you are standing upright, your lungs expand with no struggle and therefore increase your rate of oxygen intake.

Deep Breathing:

• Deep, slow breaths can help raise the oxygen levels in the body. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold it for some seconds, and then exhale it slowly through the mouth.

Supplemental Oxygen:

• If prescribed by a doctor, you can use an oxygen concentrator or cylinder to increase oxygen levels in the body. The device instructions should be followed with care, and the oxygen levels should also be regularly monitored.

Stay Calm:

• Anxiety worsens shortness of breath. Stay relaxed by doing breathing exercises or meditation.

When to Seek Medical Help

It’s vital to know when to seek professional medical help. Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital if:

• Oxygen levels drop below 85%
• Symptoms worsen or do not improve with home interventions
• There’s severe shortness of breath or chest pain
• The person is unresponsive or loses consciousness

Low Oxygen Level Prevention

Preventing hypoxemia is possible by some proactive measures:

• Manage chronic conditions: Patients with respiratory or heart conditions must be regular in treatment as advised by the doctor.
• Quit Smoking: It is the most significant factor in irritating and damaging the lungs, thus reducing oxygen capacity. No Smoking will greatly improve your lung functions.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise will allow for the development of stronger lungs and a heart, improving oxygenation in general. Consult your doctor before performing any new exercise if you have a chronic condition.
• Avoid High Altitudes: If you have a propensity for low oxygen, then avoid traveling to high altitudes. If it is absolutely necessary, then acclimate very slowly and consider supplemental oxygen.

Long-term Management

Long-term oxygen therapy is also the case in patients with chronic respiratory disease. Supplemental oxygen in excess of at least 12 hours a day has been associated with increased quality of life and survival rates in those patients.

Conclusion

It is always risky when oxygen saturation levels fall, but at the same time, risks can easily be negated with timely identification and proper action. The recognition of symptoms, prompt action, and seeking help from a doctor as required are therefore of great importance. If you or your loved one is at risk of suffering hypoxemia, then you ought to have a plan and access to required medical equipment like an oxygen concentrator to manage it properly.