Blood oxygen level is the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. Doctors consider oxygen levels to be low when they are below 60 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Shortness of breath, dizziness, and other symptoms may occur.
Blood oxygen level usually range from 75–100 mm Hg. If they fall below
The body closely monitors blood oxygen levels to keep them within a specific range so that there is enough oxygen for the needs of every cell.
A person’s blood oxygen level indicates how well the body distributes oxygen from the lungs to the cells, and it can be important for people’s health.
A healthy blood oxygen level varies between 75 and 100 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
When arterial blood gas (ABG) test results reveal an oxygen level
A blood oxygen level that is too low compared with the average level of a healthy person can be a sign of a condition known as hypoxemia. This develops when the body has difficulty delivering oxygen to all of its cells, tissues, and organs.
Oxygen saturation refers to the percentage of oxygen in a person’s blood. Medical professionals often use a device called a pulse oximeter for either a quick test or continuous monitoring. The device can attach to the person’s fingertip.
A healthy oxygen saturation level ranges between
An ABG test is
Doctors carry out ABG tests in a hospital. However, people can test themselves at home using a small device known as a pulse oximeter. A person cannot perform an ABG test at home.
A pulse oximeter is a small clip that often attaches to a finger, although it will also work on an ear or a toe. It measures blood oxygen indirectly by light absorption through a person’s pulse.
Although the pulse oximeter test is easier, quicker, and less painful than the ABG test, it is not as accurate. Several factors can interfere with the results,
- dirty fingers
- bright lights
- darker skin tones
- nail polish
- poor circulation to the extremities
Low blood oxygen levels can result in abnormal circulation and
- shortness of breath
- headaches
- restlessness
- dizziness
- rapid breathing
- chest pain
- confusion
- high blood pressure
- lack of coordination
- visual disorders
- sense of euphoria
- rapid heartbeat
The medical term for low blood oxygen is hypoxemia. It may happen due to:
- insufficient oxygen in the air
- inability of the lungs to inhale and send oxygen to all cells and tissues
- inability of the bloodstream to circulate to the lungs, collect oxygen, and transport it around the body
Conditions that can lead to hypoxemia
Several medical conditions and situations
- asthma
- heart diseases, including congenital heart disease
- high altitude
- anemia
COVID-19 - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- interstitial lung disease
- emphysema
- acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- pneumonia
- obstruction of an artery in the lung
- pulmonary fibrosis, or scarring and damage to the lungs
- presence of air or gas in the chest that makes the lungs collapse
- excess fluid in the lungs
- sleep apnea, which involves breathing interruptions during sleep
- certain medications, including some narcotics and pain relievers
People should contact a doctor if they:
- experience severe and sudden shortness of breath
- experience shortness of breath when at rest
- have severe shortness of breath that worsens during exercise or physical activity
- wake suddenly with shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
- are at high altitude and experience severe shortness of breath with a cough, rapid heartbeat, and fluid retention
Many conditions can cause low blood oxygen levels. Treating the underlying condition responsible will generally improve blood oxygen levels.
People living with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, and those who catch COVID-19 may need regular blood oxygen monitoring.
People with low blood oxygen can also make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting their dietary and exercise habits. In conjunction with oxygen therapy, these changes could help a person raise their oxygen saturation levels.
A person’s blood oxygen level refers to the amount of oxygen circulating in their blood. A person can measure blood oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter. On a pulse oximeter, doctors consider levels under 95% to be low.
Several conditions can cause low blood oxygen levels, including asthma, anemia, and COVID-19.
The treatment will often involve addressing the underlying cause, but doctors may sometimes also recommend oxygen therapy or lifestyle modifications.