You will be near death before your blood oxygen goes below ninety. Our breathing is so efficient that the blood is 90–100% oxygenated even in severely suppressed wellbeing. Shortness of breath occurs not because there is insufficient oxygen in you. Arterial blood gases: The value obtained from arterial blood gases or ABGs (SaO2) describes the oxygen saturation of arterial blood. It is obtained by drawing blood from an artery such as the radial artery in the wrist or the femoral artery in the groin. ABGs are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and can be a clue as to how efficiently your body is exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.

A normal arterial blood oxygen level typically falls between 75 and 100 mmHg. Your blood carbon dioxide level and pH - a measure of acidity or alkalinity - are usually measured along with the. In the absence of any of the above, a fluctuating oxygen saturation level between 92–97 shouldn't be a cause for alarm, so long as it doesn't fall below 88% (the W. O standard cut off). The event of a consistent SpO2 of below 90 is generally indicative of a chronic obstructive lung disease and you should seek medical help immediately. A blood oxygen level test measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. It also checks your blood's acid-base balance. Abnormal results can mean there's a.

How does COVID-19 lower a person’s oxygen levels?

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.

What is a pulse oximeter?

A pulse oximeter measures how much oxygen is in someone’s blood. It is a small device that clips onto a finger, or another part of the body. They are used often in hospitals and clinics and can be bought to use at home.

Many people consider oxygen level an important sign of how well a body is working, just like a person’s blood pressure or body temperature. People who have a lung or heart condition may use a pulse oximeter at home to check how they are doing, as directed by their health care provider. People can buy pulse oximeters without a prescription at some pharmacies and stores.

Can a pulse oximeter tell if someone has COVID-19 or how well they are doing if they have it?

We do not recommend using a pulse oximeter as a way to tell if someone has COVID-19. Get tested if you have signs of COVID-19 or if you have been close to someone who has it.

If someone has COVID-19, a pulse oximeter may help them keep watch over their health and to know if they need medical care. However, while a pulse oximeter may help someone feel like they have some control over their health, it does not tell the whole story. Oxygen level measured by a pulse oximeter is not the only way to know how sick someone is. Some people may feel very sick and have good oxygen levels, and some may feel OK, but have poor oxygen levels.

Pulse oximetry results may not be as accurate for people with darker skin. Their oxygen levels are sometimes reported as higher than they really are. People who check their own oxygen levels, or those who check it for them, should keep this in mind when looking at results.

Oxygen levels may be low if someone feels short of breath, is breathing faster than usual, or feels too sick to do their usual daily activities, even if a pulse oximeter says their oxygen levels are normal. Call a doctor or another health care provider right away if you have these symptoms.

What are normal readings?

A normal level of oxygen is usually 95% or higher. Some people with chronic lung disease or sleep apnea can have normal levels around 90%. The “SpO2” reading on a pulse oximeter shows the percentage of oxygen in someone’s blood.

If your home SpO2 reading is lower than 95%, call your health care provider.

Overview

What is hypoxemia?

Hypoxemia occurs when levels of oxygen in the blood are lower than normal. If blood oxygen levels are too low, your body may not work properly.

Blood carries oxygen to the cells throughout your body to keep them healthy. Hypoxemia can cause mild problems such as headaches and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can interfere with heart and brain function. Hypoxemia that causes low oxygen levels in your body’s tissues is called hypoxia. Sometimes people use the two terms interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes hypoxemia?

A variety of conditions and circumstances can interfere with the body’s ability to deliver normal levels of oxygen to the blood. Some of the most common causes of hypoxemia include:

Normal Blood Oxygen Level Chart

• Heart conditions, including heart defects
• Lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis
• Locations of high altitudes, where oxygen in the air is lower
• Strong pain medications or other problems that slow breathing
• Sleep apnea (impaired breathing during sleep)
• Inflammation or scarring of the lung tissue (as in pulmonary fibrosis)

What are the symptoms of hypoxemia?

Symptoms of hypoxemia vary depending on the severity of the condition. They include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fast heartbeat
• Coughing
• Confusion
• Bluish color in skin, fingernails, and lips

Diagnosis and Tests

How do doctors diagnose hypoxemia?

To diagnose hypoxemia, your doctor will do a physical examination to listen to your heart and lungs. Abnormalities in these organs can be a sign of low blood oxygen. Your doctor may also check to see if your skin, lips, or fingernails look bluish.

Doctors use tests to check your oxygen levels, including:

• Pulse oximetry: A sensor that slips over your finger measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. Pulse oximetry is painless and noninvasive. Many doctors use it routinely each time you visit.
• Arterial blood gas test: A needle is used to take a blood sample from your artery to measure the levels of oxygen in your blood.
• Other breathing tests: These might involve breathing into tubes that are connected to computers or other machines.

Management and Treatment

How do doctors treat hypoxemia?

Normal Blood Oxygen Levels While Sleeping

Treatment for hypoxemia aims to raise the levels of oxygen in the blood. Doctors can use medications to treat underlying conditions that cause hypoxemia. These medications are often given through an inhaler that enables you to breathe the medicine into your lungs.

In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy. People typically receive extra oxygen through a device called a cannula (tube) that is clipped to the outside of the nose, or through a breathing mask. The location and amount of time people receive oxygen therapy is based on individual needs. You may receive oxygen at home, with a portable machine while you travel, or in the hospital.

What are the complications or side effects of hypoxemia?

If your blood does not have enough oxygen, it cannot deliver enough oxygen to the organs and tissues that need it. This situation can be fatal if severe in the short term and can affect the heart or brain if it persists over a long period of time.

Prevention

Low Blood Oxygen Level Symptoms

Can hypoxemia be prevented?

There are steps you can take to prevent hypoxemia from returning after treatment. To increase the oxygen levels in your blood, your doctor may recommend:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Mild exercise such as walking or yoga
• Eating a healthy diet
• Drinking plenty of water
• Quitting smoking

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the outlook for people with hypoxemia?

Hypoxemia symptoms can go away with treatment. Depending on the cause, people with hypoxemia may require treatment once or on an ongoing basis. Your doctor will work with you to manage the condition so you can live an active, healthy life.

Living With

When should I call a doctor regarding hypoxemia?

Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of hypoxemia. Early diagnosis and treatment can help ensure the condition does not get worse and cause dangerous complications.