The Pulse Oximeter is a medical test used for measuring the oxygen level in blood. As we all know, oxygen is the fuel for body cells which helps us to survive. Without it, the body cells would start malfunctioning and eventually, a person could die. In the human body, oxygen needs to cling to hemoglobin in the red blood cell to continue body functioning. Oxyhemoglobin is produced when tiny molecules of oxygen and hemoglobin get together.
To measure the oxygen levels in the body, a great Japanese Bioengineer, Dr. Takuo Aoyagi invented the Pulse Oximeter in 1979. It is a device that is used in a prescribed way suggested by experts. Earlier, this medical gadget was found in clinics and hospitals. Today, it is available in almost every home, and the factor “Why” is still unknown. If you are someone, wondering Why should you have a SpO2 at home, then keep reading this article. You’ll surely get an answer about why it is so important for you.
What’s the purpose of oximetry?
The ultimate use of pulse oximetry is to check if your blood is well-oxygenated or not. This would be a great way to analyze whether you are “ALL OKAY” or if not then you can get medical help from your doctor. Medical experts use pulse oximeters to monitor the oxygen levels in patients, especially while they’re hospitalized. This healthcare product is best for different patients, like – Asthma, pneumonia, Lung Cancer, Anemia, Heart Attack, Congenital heart disease, or COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
How does a pulse oximeter work?
When you clip a tiny oximeter device to your finger, it radiates colorful lights for different wavelengths through your finger. The colorful lights radiating on the screen of the device show that it is calculating hemoglobin in your blood that carries oxygen. An individual’s hemoglobin absorbs different amounts and wavelengths of light depending on the oxygen level it is carrying. Pulse oximeter will display readings in numeric percentage form.
This device works well with warmer hands instead of cold hands. It is due to oxygen levels fluctuating, considering the measurements a few times a day. Even if you try this out in different positions, like lying flat on your back or while walking, you can notice the changes in readings.
Why should you have a pulse oximeter at home?
Here is a list of some of the most amazing benefits of having a pulse oximeter at home. So, let’s take a look at these and know why it is so essential.
Useful for Oxygen Saturation – People with sleep apnea or extreme snoring generally experience drops in their oxygen level and need to get monitored instantly by a pulse oximeter. Other conditions that may also affect blood oxygen levels are heart attacks, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, lung cancer, asthma, pneumonia, and anemia.
Effective for breathing intrusions – Patients on ventilators or undergoing any oxygen therapy normally need to monitor their oxygen saturation levels during their recovery process.
Helping with respiratory problems – It is best to have an oximeter in the recovery process after a stroke, heart attack, or even in people with asthma. It requires some sort of physical activity for a speedy recovery.
Early detection of hypoxia – Hypoxia is well known as the condition in which blood oxygen levels stay low for an extended period. In adults, the normal range of SpO2 is between 95 to 100%.
How to take readings on a pulse oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is useful in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In some cases, your doctor may suggest that you have to buy a pulse oximeter for home as well. If you have recently got a new oximeter for home, and are confused about how to use it, then follow these steps for that ease of prediction –
- Remove jewelry or nail polish on your fingernails (if measuring from hands)
- Make sure your hand is warm, relaxed, and below heart level (if the device is attached here)
- Clip the device to the finger, earlobe, or toe.
- Keep the device as far as needed to monitor your pulse and oxygen saturation
- Get accurate readings as the test completes.
In a pulse oximeter, there are small beams of light passing through the blood in your finger, for measuring the amount of oxygen. This is a painless process of measuring the oxygen level in blood cells. Through this healthcare product, you will be able to get accurate readings.
Tips for increasing the blood oxygen level –
Do you know how you can naturally increase the oxygen level in your blood? Here are some tips, take a sneak peek at them –
- Breathe in the fresh air and see the magic happening in the amount of oxygen that your body brings in, which will ultimately increase your overall blood oxygen level.
- Quit smoking and you will notice a change in only two or three weeks. After one to nine months, your breath shortness will eventually decrease.
- Practice breathing exercises and yoga exercises every day
You can add a pulse oximeter to your medical health care product range at home to track your blood oxygen level. See if these natural ways to increase your oxygen intake work well for you. Although, it’s important to note that if you are under primary conditions, especially a severe illness like carbon monoxide poisoning, these natural remedies will surely improve your oxygen level.
Conclusion –
A pulse oximeter is a quick noninvasive and completely painless test. The test comes with no risks, besides the potential skin irritation from its adhesive used in some specific types of problems. There are many healthcare product manufacturing companies providing different products, like the oximeter. If you want the best one for your home, then Easy aid is the best place to buy a pulse oximeter for your home.
