Blood oxygen level is an indicator of a person's overall health, referring to the concentration of oxygen in the blood.

Oxygen is one of most important components, which is reacquired in the body to perform the bodily functions and supports life.

It is very important to maintain an optimal amount of oxygen to ensure that the organs and tissue are properly functioning in the human body.

Curious to know more about it?

Karetrip is here with an article to help you to understand the significance of oxygen level in blood, how the oxygen level in the blood is measured, what constitutes to the normal level and the implications of abnormal readings.

What Is The Role of Oxygen in the Human Body?

Oxygen is one of the major components of cellular respiration. It is the process by which the body produces the energy which is required for the proper functioning of cells.

In addition to this oxygen is transported from lungs to various parts of the body with the help of these cells particularly by the haemoglobin present in these.

How Can Blood Oxygen Level Be Measured?

Blood oxygen level is generally expressed in percentage, showing the amount of haemoglobin in blood which is known as saturated haemoglobin and this type of measurement is known as oxygen saturation.

Saturation ranging in between 95- 100 is fine. Below the range of 95 can lead to various adverse health conditions like hypoxaemia.

Different Method to Calculate Blood Saturation

1. Pulse Oximetry

2. Arterial Blood Gas Test

Pulse Oximetry

A pulse Oximetry is an electric equipment which can be attached to fingers to check the level of oxygen in blood. It works with the help of mild sensors that can detect the level of oxygen in blood by capturing the changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Arterial Blood Gas Test

Arterial Blood Gas Test is one of another method for measuring the blood oxygen levels. It is an advanced level of test that involves taking the blood sample from the artery in order to get detailed information. These tests are mainly available at a hospital setting due to its intensive nature.

There are some factors affecting the blood saturation level

• Altitude

• Respiratory Health

• Cardiovascular Health

• Haemoglobin Levels

• Lifestyle factors

1.Altitude

It is a proven fact that regions at higher altitude have air which has less oxygen content. This is the scientific reason why people who visit often experience symptoms like nausea and breathing trouble. As natives of the place have adapted with the situation they may not experience this.

2. Respiratory Health

Certain health conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Asthma, Pneumonia can cause difficulty in breathing as it impairs the function of the lungs and hinders its ability to transfer oxygen into blood. These will reduce the level of oxygen treatment in blood which often needs medical support.

3. Cardiovascular Health

Certain heart conditions like heart failure, congenital heart disease can surely affect the body's capacity to circulate the oxygenated blood effectively. This will lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood

4. Hemoglobin Levels

Anaemia can lower the oxygen saturation in blood due to the lack of haemoglobin or red blood cells in the body.

5. Life Style Factors

Poor living habitats like smoking, insufficient diet, lack of proper exercise can adversely affect one's health condition. Especially the heart and the lung's. On the other hand, being physically active and having a balanced diet will help to maintain one's lung capacity and cardiovascular health in a good way.

Problems Associated With Abnormal Blood Oxygen Level

It is very important to maintain the blood oxygen level in the body. The most common problem associated with abnormal oxygen level are:

Hypoxemia

Hypoxemia occurs when the oxygen in the bloodstream falls down below the normal value. Though mild cases appears without any symptoms the severe cases can lead to

• Breathing trouble

• Tiredness

• Confusion

1.Breathing trouble

Individuals face difficulty in breathing especially during physical activities.

2.Tiredness

It is common that an individual who is suffering from Hypoxemia experience tiredness even during the day time.

3.Confusion

An individual would face difficulty in cognitive functions and difficulty in concentration.

Hyperoxemia

Hyperoxemia, characterised by abnormally high blood oxygen levels, is less common but can occur in specific situations, such as excessive oxygen therapy.

While oxygen is essential for life, too much oxygen can lead to oxygen toxicity, causing damage to the lungs and other tissues. This condition is particularly a concern for patients on long-term oxygen therapy or those receiving high concentrations of oxygen in critical care settings.

Regular monitoring of blood oxygen levels is crucial for individuals with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, as well as for those undergoing specific medical treatments. Here are some strategies for managing and maintaining healthy blood oxygen levels:

1. Medical Interventions

2. Lifestyle Modifications

3. Environmental Adjustments

1.Medical Interventions

For individuals with conditions affecting their oxygen levels, medical interventions may include:

• Oxygen Therapy: Administering supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels.

• Medications: Prescribing drugs to treat underlying conditions, such as bronchodilators for asthma or COPD.

• Surgical Interventions: Procedures to correct anatomical issues, such as heart defects or lung obstructions.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

Slight modifications in life style can make great changes

• Exercise - It is scientifically proven that regular physical activity enhances the proper functioning of lungs and even adds as a positive pathway for cardiovascular activities too.

• Healthy Diet - It should be taken into consideration that one should eat a balanced diet to stay healthy especially for the production of red blood cells

• Hydration - Staying hydrated is another way of ensuring a healthy lifestyle. It prevents a lot of things that affect health adversely.

It is understood that oxygen level is a key player regarding an individual's health. If one is able to maintain accurate the proper saturation level you are healthy.