Oxygen saturation levels refer to the amount of oxygen in red blood cells. Normal levels vary with age and activity, but levels below 90% are considered abnormal and can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and confusion. Oxygen saturation can be measured with a pulse oximeter or arterial blood gas test, and low levels can be treated with oxygen therapy. Various conditions can cause low levels, including breathing problems and heart conditions.
Oxygenated blood is carried to the organs and tissues of the body by the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Oxygen saturation levels refer to the amount or percentage of red blood cells filled with oxygen. Oxygen saturation can also be referred to as blood oxygen level.
Normal oxygen saturation levels vary slightly with age and activity. A blood oxygen level below 90% is considered abnormal. The body’s organs need a constant supply of oxygen to function properly. If the blood oxygen levels in the body get too low, various problems can develop.
When oxygen levels are too low, the condition is known as hypoxemia. Various symptoms can occur depending on how low your oxygen saturation is. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, headache and confusion. Because oxygen must be supplied to the heart and brain constantly, death can occur if blood oxygen levels become too low.
Oxygen saturation levels can be measured as part of a physical exam or if a patient is showing signs of breathing problems. There are two main ways to do this, including drawing blood from an artery, which is called an arterial blood gas test, and taking a reading with a pulse oximeter. An arterial blood gas analysis is considered more accurate, however it is invasive.
To measure oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter, a probe is placed on a person’s finger, foot, or earlobe, and the pulse oximeter machine displays a reading. A reading can be affected by a person moving around, nail polish, and cold fingers. A pulse oximeter is a quick way to determine oxygen saturation levels.
Various conditions can cause low blood oxygen saturation. People who have breathing problems, such as asthma or pneumonia, may not be able to get enough oxygen into their lungs. This causes the oxygen levels in the blood to decrease. Other conditions that can impair breathing include a medication overdose, a head injury, and heart conditions, such as a heart attack.
If your oxygen saturation is too low, you will need treatment. The primary treatment for low oxygen saturation is oxygen therapy. Oxygen can be administered through a mask or nasal prongs. The amount of oxygen given will depend on how low your blood oxygen saturation is. Some people have chronically low oxygen saturation levels and may need to take oxygen permanently. There are various types of home oxygen devices available.
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