What is an Oximeter and How is it Useful?

The coronavirus pandemic is on the rise and people are becoming clueless about what to do and what would help them. There are a lot of equipments that can help patients keep their health in check. One of the most important equipments in these recent times is the Oximeter.

Oximeter is an equipment that helps you keep your oxygen levels in check. It is very useful for people who have tested positive for Coronavirus. The device helps in monitoring the oxygen levels of the body. Coronavirus affects the oxygen levels of the body. Patients can feel breathlessness and experience difficulty in breathing.

How does an Oximeter Work?

Oximeter monitors the oxygen level in your blood. The device is supposed to be put on your index finger. The patient needs to wait for a while for the reading to show up. The reading should be above 95 at all times.  95 is the lowest acceptable reading, if the reading goes below the 95 mark then you need to consult a doctor immediately. Some oximeters might not show you the reading when the oxygen levels are below 90. It will, instead, show a red light that indicates that blood oxygen levels are extremely low. Even in this case it is best to consult a doctor.

How to Increase Blood Oxygen Level at Home?

The Coronavirus crisis is severe in India right now and people are suffering from breathlessness and low oxygen levels. There are a few things that can help increase the blood oxygen levels.

Firstly, you should start sleeping in a prone position if you feel breathlessness or are seeing low readings on the oximeter. Being in a prone position helps in the regulation of oxygen in the blood and in turn, helps the oxygen levels to rise. If you can not sleep in the prone position for too long, then being on your side also helps. Avoid sleeping or lying down on your back.

Secondly, doing breathing exercises and yoga also helps in regulating and increasing oxygen levels. Breathing heavily with your nose and exhaling with your mouth can help you tackle breathlessness and nausea that comes with the lack of oxygen. Yoga exercises like Pranayam and Anulom-Vilom can also help a lot.

However, these are not alternatives to medical attention and one should seek medical attention as soon as oxygen levels tend to drop.

Be safe. Get vaccinated.