All posts related to blood oxygen, respiratory

Understanding Blood Oxygen Levels

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What is Blood Oxygen Level?

Blood oxygen level is the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. Red blood cells carry most of the oxygen, collecting it from the lungs and delivering it to all parts of the body. A person’s blood oxygen level is an indicator of how well the body distributes oxygen from the lungs to the cells, and it can be important for people’s health.

Ways in measuring your blood oxygen level

There are two ways in measuring your blood oxygen level, arterial blood gas and a pulse oximeter. An arterial blood gas test is a blood test. It measures your blood’s oxygen level. The test also checks the balance of acids and bases, known as the pH balance, in your blood. An ABG is very accurate, but it’s invasive while the pulse oximeter is a noninvasive device that estimates the amount of oxygen in your blood. It does so by sending infrared light into capillaries in your finger, toe, or earlobe. Then it measures how much light is reflected off the gases. A reading indicates what percentage of your blood is saturated, known as the SpO2 level. This test has a 2 percent error window. That means the reading may be as much as 2 percent higher or lower than your actual blood oxygen level. This test may be slightly less accurate, but it’s very easy for doctors to perform. So doctors rely on it for fast readings.

How blood becomes oxygenated

Understanding how blood is saturated with oxygen begins with the alveoli or air sacs. There are millions of these microscopic air sacs in the lungs. They serve an important function to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules to and from the bloodstream. When oxygen molecules pass through the alveoli, they bind to hemoglobin which is a substance in the blood. As the hemoglobin circulates, oxygen essentially hitches a ride and gets dropped off to the body’s tissues. With this, hemoglobin picks up carbon dioxide from the tissues and transports it back to the alveoli so the cycle can begin all over again. The level of oxygen in your blood depends on several key factors, how much oxygen you breathe in, how well the alveoli swap carbon dioxide for oxygen, how much hemoglobin is concentrated in red blood cells, and how well hemoglobin attracts oxygen. Most of the time, hemoglobin contains enough oxygen to meet the body’s needs. But some diseases reduce their ability to bind to oxygen.

Measuring your blood oxygen levels

Generally speaking, an oxygen saturation level below 95% is considered abnormal and anything below 90% is an emergency. When this happens, oxygen therapy is needed, sometimes urgently. The brain is the most susceptible organ to hypoxia, and brain cells can begin to die within five minutes of oxygen deprivation. Should hypoxia last longer, coma, seizures, and brain death can occur. It is very important to determine the cause of low oxygen saturation in order to correct the problem. With chronic conditions, such as COPD and asthma, the root cause is usually low air exchange in the lungs and alveoli. In addition to oxygen therapy, steroids or bronchodilators may be needed to open the airways. 

Treatment

The treatment options for low blood oxygen levels include supplemental oxygen. Doctors can administer oxygen therapy in an office, or they can prescribe or recommend the use of home oxygen therapy. A range of devices is available for delivering and monitoring home oxygen therapy, but some require a prescription. People can make lifestyle adjustments to reduce the symptoms of low oxygen levels, as well as improve their general health and quality of life. Eating a healthy and balanced diet can also help improve blood oxygen saturation. Since iron deficiency is one of the major causes of low oxygen saturation, eating foods that are rich in iron, such as meat, fish, kidney beans, lentils, and cashew nuts, can be helpful.

Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/normal-blood-oxygen-level?fbclid=IwAR2tm66BtteLIJxtsWO-wSdlPskRkyMm8eexDCWwM4Cb7vJqnbBq-6lJNHY

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321044?fbclid=IwAR2HNjiORsJFrMem4CtlSf_CQyqwubEdMCGg5Js7D2MsWAPmUrjVoI38Hcw

https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Oxygen-Saturation.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3DxB_BMOxHo5-bkw3P4V5QfeQ3tATQpUdvPyYPlL0AA85gueIEhzF4gtQ

Blood Oxygen Level: What It Is & How To Increase It

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What is Blood Oxygen Level?

The Blood oxygen level is the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. Red blood cells carry most of the oxygen, collecting it from the lungs and delivering it to all parts of the body. There can be serious consequences if the oxygen level is too little or too much. Low blood oxygen levels can be a warning sign that immediate medical care is required. Maintaining the right oxygen level in the blood is crucial to maintaining good health. Similar to our blood pressure or blood sugar level, our blood oxygen level plays a significant role in maintaining good health.

What should your oxygen level be?

The oxygen saturation level is considered normal if it is between 95% to 100%. If the oxygen levels fall below this range, the person must seek medical advice. Oxygen levels between 91% and 95% may indicate an underlying medical issue. People with oxygen levels below 95% must take medical advice immediately.

Oxygen level below 90% is very concerning, indicating a medical emergency. The state is termed hypoxemia. Immediate medical help must be given to the person. If the oxygen saturation drops below 85%, the severe lack of oxygen affects the brain. The person may experience vision changes and lose consciousness.

When the blood oxygen levels drop below 80%, the brain, liver, and other vital body organs get affected.

Cyanosis develops when the blood oxygen saturation falls below 67%. It is a condition characterized by a bluish tinge on the skin or mucous membranes due to a lack of oxygen.

What are the symptoms of low oxygen levels?

Hypoxemia refers to a condition when the oxygen concentration in the blood gets abnormally low. Depending on how low the blood oxygen level is, the symptoms of hypoxemia may vary from person to person. Some of the symptoms of low oxygen levels in the blood include shortness of breath, headaches, restlessness, dizziness, rapid breathing, chest pain, confusion, high blood pressure, lack of coordination, visual disorders, sense of euphoria, and rapid heartbeat. When the oxygen level gets very low, it leads to cyanosis. The person experiences bluish discoloration of the skin around lips, fingernails, etc., due to inadequate oxygenation in the blood.

Ways to prevent low oxygen levels

With appropriate medical advice combined with changes in lifestyle and food habits, we can maintain appropriate blood oxygen levels and prevent them from getting low. Healthcare workers recommend the following to increase the oxygen saturation in the blood.

  • Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
  • Consider doing yoga and breathing exercises
  • Exercising regularly
  • Preventive medications such as inhalers
  • Avoid triggers that may cause breathing difficulty, Be aware of your body
  • Keep yourself hydrated
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoiding secondhand smoke

Many conditions can cause low blood oxygen levels. Treating the underlying condition responsible will generally improve blood oxygen levels. People living with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, and those who catch COVID-19 may need regular blood oxygen monitoring. A person with low blood oxygen can also make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting their dietary and exercise habits. In conjunction with oxygen therapy, these changes could help a person raise their oxygen saturation levels. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are the keys to avoiding complications and ensuring good health. Book an Appointment with specialists in the field to get the right medical advice.

Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/

https://www.thehindu.com\

Treatment for Pregnant COVID-19 Patients

Treatment for Pregnant COVID-19 Patients

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Pregnancy can be a time of joyous anticipation and excitement for women and their families. But the coronavirus pandemic raises concerns. If you haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccine, take steps to reduce the risk of infection. Pregnant women who have known or suspected COVID-19 infection need to be evaluated quickly to determine the severity of their symptoms and if they have risk factors that put them at risk for severe disease. Treatment for Pregnant COVID-19 Patients varies the severity of their symptoms.

Avoiding the Coronavirus During Pregnancy

Avoiding infection with the coronavirus is a top priority for pregnant women. You should do everything you can to protect yourself from getting COVID-19. Pregnant women can experience changes to their immune systems that can make them more vulnerable to respiratory viruses. 

Pregnant women should be vaccinated against influenza (the flu) because if they get the flu they can get very sick, and having a high fever raises the risk of harm to your baby.

If you think you have been exposed to an infected person, and you are having COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, HA, sore throat, the new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, myalgias, GI symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting), rhinorrhea, chills, difficulty breathing and/or SOB, should be tested for infection with the SARS-CoV-2. You must call your doctor and follow his or her advice. Adhere to precautions carefully. Stay at least 6 feet from others, wear a mask, and avoid large gatherings and indoor socializing outside of your household. 

Outpatient Treatment of Pregnant COVID-19 Patients

For COVID-19 in pregnancy, we can provide treatment. Several medications currently in use are also being used for our pregnant women, and early studies have shown they can provide some benefit.

Patients who are stable and not in an increased risk situation can continue to be monitored at home. Video conferencing communication is preferred to phone calls. A minimum, daily temperature with values over 38.3°C warranting further evaluation. If the patient can acquire medical devices such as a thermometer, a doppler monitor for fetal heart rate recording, she can be instructed to monitor fetal activity to reassure herself about fetal well-being. Report the findings to the OB provider during telemedicine visits. Monitoring can be completed every 2-3 days depending on the severity of COVID-19 infection. Telemedicine visits can be done more frequently for at-risk patients. Many rural and urban health institutions have already established at-home self-testing

If the patient has comorbidities known to increase the risk of severe COVID-19 infection, she is considered to be a moderate risk and should be evaluated as soon as possible in an ambulatory setting where she can test the pulse rate. Social environments where there are limited resources for remote at-home care and monitoring, no internet access, who live alone or are undomiciled, and who have limited or no transportation, may increase a pregnant woman’s risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms. Patients at risk for obstetrical complications, poor outcomes, stillbirth, and premature labor may need to be evaluated in person. 

Above all, focus on taking care of yourself and your baby. Contact your health care provider to discuss any concerns. If you’re having trouble managing stress or anxiety, talk to your health care provider or a mental health counselor about coping strategies.

Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References:

https://blog.thesullivangroup.com/treatment-for-pregnant-covid-19-patients-not-requiring-hospitalization

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-covid-19-what-pregnant-women-need-to-know https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/pregnancy-and-covid-19/art-20482639

Importance of Pulse Oximeter During COVID-19

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The whole world is greatly affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic caused due to emerging novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which specifically attacks the respiratory system and reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity to develop hypoxia.

Many people with COVID-19 have low levels of oxygen in their blood, even when they feel well. Low oxygen levels can be an early warning sign that medical care is needed. The severely affected COVID-19 patients require ventilators to survive and to fulfill the need for oxygen. However, the number of ventilators is much less than that of the actual number of COVID-19 patients. 

What is a pulse oximeter and what does it measure?

A pulse oximeter is a small non-invasive device that is used to determine hypoxia in patients. The main function of the pulse oximeter is to determine the amount of oxygen saturation (SpO2), which indicates the amount of oxygen in the blood. This can give you valuable information about your health.

Can a pulse oximeter tell if someone has COVID-19?

You may be wondering if an oximeter can help detect COVID-19 early? 

Pulse oximeters are not recommended as a way to tell if someone has COVID-19.  Not everyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will develop low oxygen levels. There are people who may have a very uncomfortable fever, muscle aches, and GI upset at home, but never demonstrate low oxygen levels. Get tested if you have signs of COVID-19 or if you have been in close contact with someone who has it. The pulse oximeter can be used in primary clinical care to determine oxygen saturation. Furthermore, pulse oximeters have become a game-changer in the COVID-19 pandemic to detect the oxygen requirement in patients. However, there are several factors affecting the sensitivity of pulse oximeters that need to be understood to get an accurate reading. 

Can a pulse oximeter be a helpful tool for monitoring COVID-19 at home?

An oximeter can be a helpful tool for monitoring oxygen levels so that low oxygen levels can be detected early if a person has a mild case of COVID-19 and is self-treating at home. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are concerned about any developing symptoms, check immediately with your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing severe chest pain, uncontrollable coughing, or dusky lips or fingers, it’s time to go to the ER.

The pulse oximeter gives only primary judgment about oxygen saturation and it is not at all a substitute for the ABG analysis. Moreover, the pulse oximeter cannot be relied on as a sole monitor to check the various events such as cardiac complications/arrests, respiratory tract-related problems, oesophageal intubation, or failure of oxygen supply.

Disclaimer

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00194506.2020.1845988

https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2020/aug/can-an-oximeter-help-detect-covid-19-at-home/

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/pulseoximeter.html

Symptoms and Spread of Covid-19

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Over the past few months, our world has been flipped upside down. Schools have shut down until further notice. Coffee shops and restaurants have followed suit, only offering takeout options. Offices have told their workers to work from home. The streets and outdoor areas are quiet too. It’s as if our lives are on pause, waiting until we can return back to normal again. Covid-19 is the pandemic that has made people all across the globe feel like they’re in a science fiction movie. It’s important to be aware of what the symptoms of Covid-19 are and how it’s spread. By having this useful information, the right steps can be taken in preventing more cases from appearing.

What is Covid-19?

Covid-19 is a disease developed by a type of virus that falls under the umbrella of Coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a big family of viruses. They’re named coronavirus because, under a microscope, the virus is covered with pointed structures, making it appear crown-like. They can cause mild diseases like cold or more severe diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Some diseases are more easily transmitted than others. This new strain of coronavirus causing COVID-19  is the latest coronavirus that has been discovered. It’s also seen as the most dangerous due to how easily it spreads. What started as a controllable outbreak quickly took over the world, causing countries to close their borders and halt their economies. In comparison to SARS, Covid-19 has led to more fatalities and a quicker spread. Consequently, it makes it difficult to contain.

Symptoms of Covid-19

Anyone can become infected with Covid-19. Researchers say that symptoms of Covid-19 are quite mild because they’re similar to a cold. You may not even know you have Covid-19 because it feels like any other typical cold. Some symptoms include cough, fever, difficulty breathing, the new loss of taste or smell, chills, and muscle pain. In more serious cases, you may experience persistent pressure in the chest, trouble breathing, and bluish lips. That’s when it’s important to seek medical attention.  In severe cases, being infected by Covid-19 can lead to death. However, a large percentage of Covid-19 deaths was because individuals had complications like heart problems or weak immune systems.

Covid-19 symptoms may take up to fourteen days to appear after exposure. Furthermore, evidence has shown that you can be infected by someone who is infected, but not showing symptoms. Hence, it’s important to make sure all safety guidelines are being followed when going out and cleanliness is being maintained. As of right now, the only way to be sure you have Covid-19 is to get tested. If you are coming back from a trip or have been on a recent flight, it’s important you self-isolate. Make sure you get in touch with a doctor so your symptoms can be monitored closely. Under no circumstance should you be leaving your house for anything?

Spread of Covid-19

When the world first became aware of Covid-19, the biggest challenge was to slow down and stop the spread. China went into lockdown, but then Italy’s cases started climbing up. Shortly after, the United States began going into a state of emergency. All of these occurrences happened within weeks of each other. Flights were being canceled and borders were shutting down. Yet, Covid-19 still managed to make many countries go into a state of emergency. Well, all it takes is one person and a sneeze.

Though there is still research being done, it is believed that that Covid-19 is very likely spread through droplet contact. Droplet contact is when illnesses can be transferred by infected droplets contacting the surfaces of the eyes, nose, or mouth. These droplets are quite large and can even be visible to the eye. For example, you may see these droplets when a person sneezes. Moreover, because these droplets are quite big, they typically only spread one to two meters. They don’t stay in the air for very long but can still make a huge impact. As a result, it’s important to respect the social distancing rules put in place. More space between people means less spread and infections happening.

Covid-19 threw most of our lives out of the loop. Face masks are our newest accessories and we need to stay in line at stores if there are too many people. Social distancing rules are still intact so you shouldn’t be seeing anyone outside your household. It can get lonely sometimes, but we have to keep in mind this is for the greater good. By distancing now, we can prevent further spread in the future. Stay home and stop the spread, you never know how many lives you can save.

Source:

www.Salinetherapy.com



Reasons Why You May Suffer From Low Oxygen Levels

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Blood oxygen level is the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. Most of the oxygen is carried by red blood cells, which collect oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to all parts of the body.

The body closely monitors blood oxygen levels to keep them within a specific range, so that there is enough oxygen for the needs of every cell in the body.


A person’s blood oxygen level is an indicator of how well the body distributes oxygen from the lungs to every cell in your body to allow them to live and function properly.

 

Why Does oxygen Matter?

Oxygen is a very important element because we need it to live. It is a part of the air people breath and the water people drink. Many living things (including humans) need oxygen to live and breathe.

Not enough oxygen makes it to the cells and tissues that make up your body causes a condition called Hypoxia. Lack of oxygen can lead to many serious, sometimes life-threatening complications.

Hypoxia can cause problems with the mitochondria and the brain.

Mitochondria is an organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur and it plays a prominent role which is to produce the energy currency of the cell. Your mitochondria need oxygen.

Mitochondrial problems are at the heart of all chronic diseases.

When your mitochondria are working well, you will build up healthy levels of ATP and NAD+ levels, which are important for energy utilization and metabolism.

ATP converts to a cyclic AMP, which is a critical messenger molecule for so many cellular processes. the cAMP is needed for the regulation of glycogen, sugar, and lipid metabolism.

The following hormones also require adequate cAMP levels to function optimally: FSH, LH, ADH (V2=kidneys), TSH, CRH, hCG, ACTH, MSH, PTH, PTH, GHRH, Glucagon, and Calcitonin.

Your body fights infections with the superoxide that’s created from oxygen.

Your health and energy will in part depend on how much oxygen you have and how well your mitochondria utilize it.

Now there’s obviously more to the story, but you want to make sure the fundamentals are right.

How To Measure Your Oxygen Level?

Pulse Oximeter and Hypoxia

A pulse oximeter is the easiest method to measure blood oxygen, but it’s only a part of the story. 

A pulse oximeter is a small clip that is often put on a finger, although it can also be used on the ear or toe. It measures blood oxygen indirectly by light absorption through a person’s pulse. Although the pulse oximeter test is easier, quicker, and not painful, it is not as accurate as the ABG test. This is because it can be influenced by factors such as dirty fingers, bright lights, nail polish, and poor circulation to the extremities.

For people who wish to purchase a pulse oximeter, there is a range of easy-to-use devices available online http://torontek.com/

Blood Test and Hypoxia

Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. The more red blood cells you have, the more you can carry oxygen. Hemoglobin actually carries the oxygen. The more hemoglobin you have, the more oxygen you transport.

Hemoglobin comprises about a third of the total red blood cell volume. This protein is responsible for the transport of more than 98% of the oxygen (the remaining oxygen is carried dissolved in the blood plasma).

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of the volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells. This measurement depends on the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells.

Red blood cells and hemoglobin are all the info you need in your Complete Blood Count to determine your levels of hypoxia.

Low Iron or iron stores can also cause less oxygen utilization because oxygen binds to iron-containing molecules (heme) in your hemoglobin. However, your RBC and hemoglobin will often reflect an iron deficiency.

A low RBC or hemoglobin count indicates that your EPO (Erythropoietin)may be low, all of which are extremely important to oxygenate the blood.  Hemoglobin holds oxygen and RBCs hold hemoglobin. EPO produces both.

EPO is important for mood and memory independent of its effects on RBCs.

Blood Pressure and Hypoxia

You can have good RBCs, hemoglobin, and oxygen saturation, but if your blood isn’t flowing to your brain, it’s meaningless.

Blood pressure is one measure of blood flow.  Higher blood pressure can indicate that the blood is more viscous and thick, which will require more force and pressure to move it.  It can indicate blood vessels that are hardened and not able to relax easily. It can indicate lower nitric oxide.

Low blood pressure means that blood is not flowing with a certain force level to reach the brain in optimal concentrations.

Your doctor won’t think anything of a blood pressure of 90/60, but this means that not enough blood is flowing to the brain for optimal function.  Your blood pressure should be 110-120/70-80.

Why You May Be Suffering from Hypoxia?

Few main reasons why you can have lower oxygen.

  • Nasal problems or Mucus
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea or Low Oxygen During Sleep
  • Living in an Elevated Area
  • Chronic Inflammation
  • Psychological Stress
  • Lower Blood Pressure and Poor Circulation
  • A Lack of Sunlight

How Increase Oxygen

  • Breathing Exerciser
  • Oxygen Concentrator
  • Healthy Fluids
  • Cellular Therapy to Improve Oxygen Levels
  • Be Calm

Some self-care measures can be taken by people to reduce symptoms of shortness of breath and improve general health and quality of life. These include:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Avoiding passive smoking in places where others smoke
  • Eating a healthful diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Exercising regularly

When To See A Doctor

  • experience severe and sudden shortness of breath
  • experience shortness of breath when at rest
  • have severe shortness of breath that worsens during exercise or physical activity
  • wake suddenly with shortness of breath or a feeling of choking

 

Low oxygen levels in the blood are not necessarily harmful and can occur in people who can recover, or in healthy people when they are at high altitude. These people do not need to monitor their blood oxygen levels regularly.

But people with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or emphysema, may have blood oxygen levels below the normal because of their illness. These people may require regular blood oxygen monitoring.

People with low blood oxygen can also make lifestyle changes, such as not smoking or improving their diet and exercise habits, as well as being treated with supplemental oxygen.

 

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Resources: https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/why-you-may-be-suffering-from-low-oxygen-and-not-realize-it/

 

5 Chronic Lung Disease that Often Require Oxygen Therapy

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Your lungs have a very important job which is to absorb oxygen from the air and transfer it into your bloodstream, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). But some diseases and conditions can keep your body from getting the oxygen it needs. People with chronic diseases have ineffective or heavy breathing pattern 24/7 with deep breathing 24/7. If you develop one of these conditions, and your blood oxygen level falls too low, your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen and a finger pulse oximeter to monitor the oxygen level.

Oxygen therapy, also known as supplemental oxygen, is the use of oxygen as a medical treatment. This can include low blood oxygen, carbon monoxide toxicity, cluster headaches, and to maintain enough oxygen while inhaled anesthetics are given. Supplemental oxygen, especially portable oxygen solutions, helps those with chronic lung diseases to enjoy life to the fullest. A portable oxygen unit, like a portable concentrator, can help you regain your independence and mobility while allowing you to increase your physical fitness, as well as time spent with family and friends.

While considering carbon dioxide effects, we also found that chronic overbreathing leads to reduced oxygen transport to cells. As a result, ineffective breathing patterns cause tissue hypoxia, chronic inflammation, immunosuppression, and many other negative effects caused by low body-oxygen levels and hypocapnia (reduced CO2 levels).

Meanwhile, it is known that tissue hypoxia is the driving force of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue and many other health conditions. Hence, the more people breathe, the more severe health problems, diseases, and symptoms they are going to experience.

The following are Conditions and Diseases that may require supplemental oxygen to help you feel better:

  • Cystic Fibrosis. An inherited disease that affects the secretory glands, including those that produce mucus and sweat, according to NHLBI. One of the causes of Cystic Fibrosis is Chronic Hyperventilation. Unfortunately, with CF, thick sticky mucus collects in the airways, creating an ideal place for bacteria to grow. After repeated, intense lung infections, the lungs become severely compromised. Supplemental oxygen can help the lungs do their job.

 

  • Pulmonary fibrosis. A lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred.  A person is often diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) when tissues in the lungs become thickened, stiff and make it more difficult for your lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, you become progressively more short of breath. The Mayo Clinic provides many reasons someone could develop PF, including long-term exposure to occupational toxins, radiation treatment, certain diseases and medical conditions. However, in many cases, the cause remains unknown. As the disease progresses, it decreases the amount of oxygen lungs can transfer to the bloodstream. Supplemental oxygen Helps to reduce breathlessness, while portable solutions enable those with PF to be more physically active.

 

  • Chronic bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is one type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This leads to coughing and difficulty breathing. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause. Breathing in air pollution, fumes, or dust over a long period of time may also cause it. The disease, which will get worse over time, is characterized by a constant cough and a large amount of mucus. When caught early, the disease can then be managed so you can live a full, active life. As the disease progresses, portable oxygen solutions can allow you the mobility and independence you need to get out and moving more often.

 

  • Emphysema: a condition in which the small air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness. The No. 1 culprit of an emphysema diagnosis is smoking. This disease makes it harder and harder to breathe normally. Those with emphysema often become short of breath on a regular basis. However, supplemental oxygen can help provide some relief by increasing blood oxygen levels and making oxygen distribution easier on the body.

 

  • Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: An inherited disorder that may cause lung disease and liver disease. This genetic disorder can lead to breathing problems at a young age and eventually develop into emphysema or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), according to WebMD. The Alpha 1 Antitrypsin enzyme is found in the lungs and bloodstream and is meant to prevent inflammation and its effects in the lungs. When your body lacks enough of this enzyme, it can lead to emphysema and make it difficult to breathe. NHLBI says supplemental oxygen, along with bronchodilators and pulmonary rehabilitation, are common treatments of AAT deficiency.

The critical oxygen level is an oxygen saturation of approximately 90% (this is measured by a finger pulse oximeter), equivalent to a blood oxygen level of 55-60 mmHg (this is measured from a blood sample taken from an artery, commonly in the wrist). This blood test is known as an arterial blood gas or ABG. Therefore, controlled oxygen therapy, to maintain oxygen saturation at around 90% (88-92% is an acceptable range). It is important to avoid too much oxygen and minimize the risk of worsening CO2 levels in this situation. Some patients who are very sensitive to the adverse effects of too much oxygen may choose to wear a medical alert bracelet to alert paramedics about their lung condition in the event of an emergency.

 

 

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

 

Resources:

http://www.domorewithoxygen.com/bid/293363/5-chronic-lung-diseases-that-often-require-oxygen-therapy

 

Second Trimester Must-Haves

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Pregnancy brings a new meaning to the concept of beauty. It is a period of immense joy coupled with excitement. The feeling of carrying a little soul within you is magnificent. Pregnancy is a time to celebrate because a little angel is coming soon.

 

 

The second trimester is the best part of pregnancy. Your nausea has subsided, you’re sleeping a little better,  plus you’re finally looking legitimately pregnant. You will still probably use some of the things off of my first-trimester must-haves, but below are the list of additional must-haves for a happy second trimester!

 

Maternity wear

Clothes are definitely getting tighter at this point of your pregnancy so you’ll want to invest in some new clothing. I recommend loose dresses because not only are they comfortable, but they can grow with you and be worn after you have a baby. As your baby belly grows you’ll need a few key items of maternity wear. A good pair of maternity jeans that make you feel comfortable and will last you through the pregnancy is a savvy buy.

Sleep Aids

By now you may need some extra help getting a good night’s sleep. Fans, noise machines, earplugs, and body pillows are all useful aids for helping pregnant women get their zzz’s.

Comfy Pajamas

It’s common to feel really tired while pregnant. Your body is going through so much and working hard so you definitely want to get as much sleep/rest while you can and you will be most comfortable sleeping on your side as your belly grows. Now that your old pajamas probably don’t exactly fit so well anymore, it’s time to get a few pairs of comfortable Pajamas to survive these last few months.

Support Bra

By this stage – if not before – your breasts may have grown and felt more sensitive.Traditional bras don’t have room for the diaphragm to grow during pregnancy and they also have a traditional underwire which is not recommended to wear while pregnant or nursing. Having wider straps on a maternity bra is also important for support, especially for larger cup bras.Maternity bras provide firm elastic support without using wires.

Doula

A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. The doula’s purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. Whether you want a natural birth, a medicated birth, or a c-section, a doula is a great person to add to your support team to help you have the positive experience that you want.This is the time during your pregnancy to start interviewing and choosing the right doula for you.

Pregnancy books

Reading is one of the most vital talents a child needs in order to be successful in life. Books are one’s best friend and the early we inculcate this habit, it is excellent for the child.  Reading while pregnancy not only increases the knowledge but also helps in making the bond between the mother and the baby stronger. It also triggers better concentration, a good attention span, distressing the mother of her tensions, resulting in a smarter baby.

 

 

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Resources:

https://www.baby-chick.com/second-trimester-must-haves/
https://www.babycenter.com/0_pregnancy-shopping-checklist-second-trimester_5679.bc

 

Hypoxia and Hypoxemia

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Hypoxia deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Hypoxemia an abnormally low concentration of oxygen in the blood.

 

When your body doesn’t have enough oxygen, you could get Hypoxemia or hypoxia. These are dangerous conditions. Without oxygen, your brain, liver, and other organs can be damaged just minutes after symptoms start.

Hypoxemia (low oxygen in your blood) can cause hypoxia (low oxygen in your tissues) when your blood doesn’t carry enough oxygen to your tissues to meet your body’s needs. The word hypoxia is sometimes used to describe both problems.

Symptoms

Although they can vary from person to person, the most common hypoxia symptoms are:

  • Changes in the color of your skin, ranging from blue to cherry red
  • Confusion
  • Cough
  • Fast heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Wheezing
  • The inability to communicate
  • Possible Coma or death

How It’s Treated

You’ll need to go to the hospital to get treatment for hypoxia and to keep a check on your oxygen level.

The most important thing is to get more oxygen into your body. You’ll receive it through a small plug in your nose or through a mask that covers your nose and mouth. For many people, this is enough to bring your oxygen level up to normal.

An inhaler or asthma medicine by mouth may make breathing easier. If these don’t help, the doctor might try giving you medicine through a vein in your arm (an IV). You might also need steroid drugs for a short time to shrink inflammation in your lungs.

When your life is in danger and other treatments aren’t working, you may need a machine to help you breathe.

Causes of Hypoxia

A severe asthma attack, or flare, can cause hypoxia in adults and kids. During an attack, your airways narrow, making it hard to get air into your lungs. Coughing to clear your lungs uses even more oxygen and can make symptoms worse.

Hypoxia can also result from lung damage due to trauma.

Other things can cause hypoxia include:

  • Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
  • Strong pain medicines and other drugs that hold back breathing
  • Heart problems
  • Anemia (a low number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen)
  • Cyanide poisoning (Cyanide is a chemical used to make plastics and other products.)

Preventing Hypoxia

The best way to prevent hypoxia is to keep your asthma under control, every day. Stick with your asthma treatment plan.

  • Take your medicine to help prevent flares and the need to use your rescue inhaler.
  • Eat right and stay active.
  • Know your asthma triggers, and find ways to avoid them.

Work with your doctor to come up with an action plan for asthma attacks, so you know what to do when you have trouble breathing.

How is hypoxia and/or hypoxemia diagnosed?

In general, an individual patient’s hypoxemia is usually diagnosed by oxygen monitors placed on fingers or ears (pulse oximeter) and/or by determining the oxygen level in a blood gas sample (a sample of blood taken from an artery ). Normal readings are about 94% to 99% oxygen saturation levels; generally, oxygen is supplied if the level is about 92% or below.

Other tests may be ordered to determine if other potential problems such as carbon monoxide poisoning are responsible for the hypoxia.

Pulmonary function tests may also be ordered along with other studies to help determine the cause of unexplained low oxygen saturation.

 

 

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

 

Resources:

https://www.medicinenet.com/hypoxia_and_hypoxemia/article.htm

https://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/hypoxia-hypoxemia#1

Importance of Knowing your Blood Oxygen Level

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While most people are concerned over vital signs including their pulse, temperature, blood pressure and respiratory rate, a little less understood science when measuring fitness levels of an individual is the idea of measuring one’s blood oxygen level, SPo2. Oxygen saturation is presented in the form of a percentage that refers to the fraction of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin that is relative to the total hemoglobin, unsaturated and saturated, in the blood. In simpler terms, it is the level of oxygen available in the blood. If the individual is in good health, normal blood oxygen levels almost always fall within a very predictable range of between 95% to 100%. This means that the body is getting sufficient oxygen to be able to perform the necessary basic functions and that the internal organs are performing at their best. Not only that, blood oxygen levels in the body also has an effect on how effective workout sessions are.

The usual procedure of measuring oxygen saturation, to measure the blood that is still carrying or is saturated with oxygen, is with the use of a pulse oximeter http://www.torontek.com. Pulse oximetry is considered to be a non-invasive and painless method of getting a general idea of oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues, like the finger, earlobe and nose, where a clip-like device called a probe, is placed on those body parts. However, it is necessary at times to analyze blood taken directly from the artery, more commonly known as arterial blood oxygen. A normal arterial blood oxygen level usually falls between 75 and 100 mmHg. Blood carbon dioxide level and pH, the measure of acidity or alkalinity, can also be measured with the arterial blood oxygen level.

“Pulse oximetry is a way to measure how much oxygen your blood is carrying. By using a small device called a pulse oximeter, your blood oxygen level can be checked without needing to be stuck with a needle. The blood oxygen level measured with an Oximeter is called your oxygen saturation level.”

Regularly checking of your SPo2 levels can help you keep track of how the body is performing over time, and can provide early warning signs to potential problems that your body may potentially be facing.

 

How does a pulse oximeter work?

A pulse oximeter comes either as a small unit with a built in finger/toe clip, or a small hand held device that has a wire probe that can attach or be applied to your finger, toe or earlobe. The small unit is less expensive and more practical for home use. Beams of light from the device pass through the Pulse oximetry is a way to measure how much oxygen your blood is carrying. By using a small device called a pulse oximeter, your blood oxygen level can be checked without needing to be stuck with a needle. The blood oxygen level measured with an oximeter is called your oxygen saturation level (abbreviated O2sat or SaO2). This is a percentage of how much oxygen your blood is carrying compared to the maximum it is capable of carrying. Normally, more than 89% of your red blood should be carrying oxygen. blood in your finger (earlobe or toe) to measure your oxygen. You will not feel this happen. The beams of light are “read” to calculate the percentage of your blood that is carrying oxygen. It also provides a reading of your heart rate (pulse). To make sure the oximeter is giving you a good reading, count your pulse for one minute and compare the number you get to the pulse number on the oximeter. If they are the same, you are getting a good signal.

 

Should I get a pulse oximeter?

Most people do not need a pulse oximeter. Some people are prescribed a pulse oximeter if they have or could have periods of low oxygen; for example, when you are exercising or if you travel to high altitude. Having a pulse oximeter in these cases will allow you to monitor your blood oxygen level and know when you need to increase your supplemental oxygen flow rate. Ask your health care provider what oxygen saturation number(s) they want you to maintain. Pulse oximeters are available online http://www.torontek.com  or by prescription from your local pharmacy or medical supply company.