Improving Low SpO2 Levels

Low blood oxygen levels, a condition also known as hypoxemia, can be caused by respiratory illnesses or even sleep disorders. Once diagnosed, it is important that you do everything you can to bring your levels back to normal. In this piece we’ll look at exactly how you can do that and how LOOKEE® Fingertip Pulse Oximeters can help maintain good SpO2 levels.

What is Hypoxemia?

Hypoxemia occurs when the lungs cannot sufficiently oxygenate the blood that circulates throughout the entire body. When left untreated, it can lead to the impaired functioning of other vital organs and bodily processes.

Conditions That Cause Low Blood Oxygen

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by the repeated obstruction of the upper airway while a person sleeps. There are different forms of sleep apnea. However, regardless of the type a person may be suffering from, untreated sleep apnea will lead to hypoxemia.

During a sleep apnea event, a blocked airway will prevent normal breathing from taking place. When this happens, a person will start to choke and wake up abruptly. They might even suffer from coughing fits. Dealing with multiple sleep apnea events throughout the night is what results in sleep deprivation as well as low blood oxygen levels. This is because the person is not taking in sufficient oxygen.

Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory diseases have one thing in common and that is they either damage the lungs, preventing them from functioning normally or inhibit oxygen flow to the lungs. As mentioned above, if the lungs do not receive enough oxygen or cannot function because of trauma, they will not be able to oxygenate the blood. There are many respiratory diseases that cause hypoxemia. Some include:

· Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

· Anemia.

· Asthma.

· Pulmonary edema.

· Pulmonary embolism.

· Pulmonary fibrosis.

· Bronchitis.

· Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

· Pneumonia.

External Factors

External causes of hypoxemia can be related to the environment, such as living in or being exposed to high altitudes and medication that can lower breathing rate and, thus, lower oxygen levels. These include different types of narcotics and anesthetics.

Monitoring Low Blood Oxygen Levels

Before improving your condition, you have to know how to monitor your levels so you can understand whether they’re getting better or worse. Pulse oximetry is a procedure used to determine a person’s SpO2 levels. With the use of pulse oximeters like the LOOKEE® A310 Premium Fingertip Pulse Oximeter, healthcare professionals can measure the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Blood oxygen monitors display SpO2 readings as a percentage. If a person’s red blood cells contained 97% oxygenated and 3% deoxygenated hemoglobin, their SpO2 would be 97%. Research done by The American Thoracic Society shows that healthy SpO2 levels are between 95 to 100 percent. Concerns should arise when SpO2 levels start to decrease below 89 percent, as this could be signs of a possible health condition.

When the LOOKEE® Fingertip Pulse Oximeters detect abnormal blood-oxygen levels, an alarm will go off to show that medical attention may be required. Many of the devices feature a built-in plethysmograph to ensure accurate readings that can be taken in an instant.

Treating and Improving Low Blood Oxygen

Medical professionals have recommended oxygen therapy as an effective treatment for hypoxemia. During the procedure, A patients wears a mask that provides a regular supply of oxygen. When done on an ongoing basis, oxygen therapy works to raise the blood oxygen back to normal levels.

Since hypoxemia can occur as a direct result of respiratory illnesses, a doctor will have to treat the illness to prevent it from causing the symptom.

Patients can lower their risk of experiencing hypoxemia by managing lifestyle factors. For instance, people who suffer from sleep apnea and asthma should ensure that these conditions are managed through sleeping machines and inhalers.

People should also avoid using drugs and substances like cigarettes and alcohol as they can negatively affect the respiratory system. By keeping their lungs healthy, they will minimize the risk of lung infections and thus prevent the risk of hypoxemia.