What is the normal blood oxygen level in healthy individuals? Most people don’t need to regularly check their blood oxygen levels. Only those with medical conditions that result in low blood oxygen levels are typically asked to have their levels checked. and even then, the less invasive pulse oximetry method is frequently just as helpful as an invasive arterial blood gas test (ABG).
How are blood oxygen levels checked?
A pulse oximetry reading is typically accurate enough, though there is a margin of error. If your doctor needs a more exact reading, they can perform an ABG test as a follow-up.
The “SpO2” or oxygen saturation reading on a pulse oximeter indicates the percentage of oxygen in someone’s blood. If your home SpO2 reading is lower than 95%, call your healthcare provider. A low oxygen level, also known as hypoxemia, is defined as a reading between 90% and 92%. A reading this low means you might need supplemental oxygen. In order to use home supplemental oxygen, your doctor must write a prescription for it.
A normal level of oxygen is typically 95% or higher. However, some people with chronic lung disease or sleep apnea can have normal levels of around 90%.
Older people often have lower oxygen saturation levels than younger people. If a person is over 70, a normal oxygen level for elderly persons may be about 95%, which is tolerable. In severe circumstances, low oxygen levels can cause hypoxemia or hypoxia.
What are the oxygen levels in the blood?
Your body tightly controls your blood oxygen level, which is a measurement of how much oxygen your red blood cells are carrying. Maintaining the ideal balance of oxygen-saturated blood is crucial to your health. If your home oximeter reads 92% or less, call your healthcare practitioner. If it is 88% or less, head straight to the emergency hospital.
Many doctors won’t check your blood oxygen level unless you exhibit symptoms of a problem, like shortness of breath or chest pain. In these situations, monitoring your blood oxygen level can help determine whether treatments are effective or if the condition is getting worse.
What is a safe, normal blood oxygen level?
Nomal blood oxygen levels
If you use a pulse oximeter, a normal number would typically be between 95 and 100 percent.
Low levels of blood oxygen
Hypoxemia is described as a blood oxygen level that is below normal. Because it can have negative consequences on body tissue and organs, hypoxemia is generally a cause for concern.
It’s crucial to understand what is normal for you, especially if you have a chronic lung ailment. A pulse oxygen saturation (spo2) below 95 percent is typically regarded low. Your physician may suggest what ranges of oxygen levels are good for you.
What happens if your blood oxygen level is too low?
You may experience headaches, disorientation, or restlessness when your blood oxygen level drops below a specific threshold. You may begin to experience anemia symptoms when your blood oxygen level drops below the typical range. This includes:
- Difficulty breathing: A high carbon dioxide level can result in fast breathing and confusion, whereas low oxygen levels in the blood can induce shortness of breath and air hunger (the sensation that you can’t breathe in enough air), as well as bluish skin, lips, and fingernails.
- Added chest ache: Less and less oxygen is able to enter the bloodstream as the illness worsens; as a result, less oxygen can reach the body’s muscles and joints, causing patients to experience aching and general pain.
- You may suffer cyanosis symptoms, which are characterized by a blue coloring of your skin, mucous membranes, and nail beds. If you experience any symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention because cyanosis can result in respiratory failure, which can be fatal.
What causes low levels of oxygen in blood?
What happens if you don’t have a normal blood oxygen level? Some of the most common causes of low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) include:
- Heart disorders
- Lung conditions such asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis
- Strong medications
- Other problems that impair breathing.
Other conditions that might negatively impact your blood oxygen level include:
- Anemia
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart disease
- Pulmonary embolism
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Asthma
- Collapsed lung
- COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema
- Blood disorders and problems with your circulatory system may make it difficult for your blood to absorb oxygen and transport it throughout your body.
Smokers may get an artificially high pulse oxygen value because carbon monoxide builds up in blood, which can lead to an artificially high pulse oxygen value.
Ways to increase blood oxygen levels
There are several natural ways to increase your blood oxygen levels to normal blood oxygen level. Here are two effective breathing exercises you may do to help your body get more fresh oxygen:
Pursed lip breathing: Breathe in deeply via your nose, purse your lips, and then exhale twice as long.
Belly breathing: Initially, inhale deeply through your nose for a few breaths. Feel the air fill your abdomen with your palm. Then, exhale through your mouth for two to three times as long as you breathed in.
Going for a walk outside, getting fresh air into your home, or introducing houseplants are other ways to increase your oxygen levels.
Additionally, quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, exercising frequently, and having a nutritious diet can all improve your way of life.
Key Takeaways
Learn more about Heart Health here.
