normal or weak, how to measure it?

The rate of oxygen in the blood is the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. Most of the oxygen is carried by red blood cells, which collect oxygen in the lungs and carry it to all parts of the body. The body closely monitors the oxygen level in the blood to keep it within a specific range, so that there is enough oxygen for every cell in the body. The level of oxygen in a person’s blood is an indicator of how the body distributes oxygen from the lungs to cells. It is important for health.

Normal and low oxygen levels in the blood

A normal level of oxygen in the blood varies between 75 and 100 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A blood oxygen level below 60 mm Hg is considered low and may require oxygen supplementation, depending on the doctor’s decision and the individual case. When the level of oxygen in the blood is too low compared to the average level in a healthy person, it can be a sign of a condition called hypoxemia. This means that the body has difficulty supplying oxygen to all of its cells, tissues and organs.

How is the level of oxygen in the blood measured?

The most effective way to monitor the level of oxygen in the blood is with an arterial blood gas test. For this test, a blood sample is taken from an artery, usually from the wrist. This procedure is very precise, but it can be a bit painful. The ABG test can be difficult to perform at home, which is why a person may wish to take another test, using a small device called a pulse oximeter.

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

For people who want to buy a pulse oximeter, there is a range of easy-to-use devices available at drugstores or online.

Symptoms of low oxygen in the blood

Low levels of oxygen in the blood can cause abnormal circulation and cause the following symptoms:

shortness of breath
headache
agitation
dizziness
rapid breathing
chest pain
confusion
arterial hypertension
lack of coordination
visual disturbances
feeling of euphoria
rapid heartbeat

Possible causes of low oxygen in the blood

Hypoxemia, or lower than normal oxygen levels, can be caused by:

insufficient amount of oxygen in the air
the inability of the lungs to breathe in and send oxygen to all cells and tissues
the inability of blood to travel to the lungs, collect oxygen and carry it around the body.

Several medical conditions can contribute to the above factors, including:

asthma
heart disease, including congenital heart disease
high altitude
anemia
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD
interstitial lung disease
emphysema
acute respiratory distress syndrome
pneumonia
blockage of an artery in the lung, for example due to a blood clot
pulmonary fibrosis or scarring and damage to the lungs
air or gas in the chest that causes the lungs to sag
excess fluid in the lungs
sleep apnea where breathing is interrupted during sleep
certain medications, including certain narcotics and pain relievers.

When to consult a doctor

You should see a doctor if you notice:

severe and sudden shortness of breath
we are out of breath at rest
severe shortness of breath that gets worse during exercise or physical activity
suddenly wakes up with shortness of breath or a feeling of suffocation
at high altitudes (over 2400 meters), severe shortness of breath accompanied by coughing, rapid heartbeat, and fluid retention.

Treatment of low oxygen in the blood

Treatment of low oxygen in the blood includes giving extra oxygen. This treatment can be done at home, known as home oxygen therapy.
There is a whole range of devices out there but some of them are considered medication and require a prescription.
There are some self-care measures that people can take to reduce symptoms of shortness of breath and improve general health and quality of life. These include the following measures

stop smoking
avoiding secondhand smoke in places where other people smoke
eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
exercise regularly

The level of oxygen in the blood to monitor

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

However, people with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or emphysema, may have lower than normal blood oxygen levels as a result of their disease. These people may need regular monitoring of their blood oxygen levels. People with low blood oxygen levels may also make lifestyle changes, such as not smoking or improving their diet and exercise habits, while being treated with supplemental oxygen.