Oxygen saturation is related to the circulation of oxygen through your bloodstream and can be considered healthy or problematic.People with medical conditions likeCOPD can have reduced oxygen saturation levels, which can lead to a host of more serious problems.Medical intervention, such as the use of supplemental oxygen, is the best way to deal with chronically low oxygen saturation, but there are some things you can do on your own to improve your levels.
Step 1: Slowly and deeply breathe.
Many adults use only about one-third of their lung capacity while breathing.Reduced oxygen saturation can be caused by this inefficiency, as it can cause less oxygen to enter the lungs and bloodstream.You can improve all of these elements by breathing slowly and deeply.Reducing the rate of breathing to 10 per minute has been shown to increase oxygen saturation.If you want to stop after each breath, make sure to breathe through your nose.While you are breathing, be as relaxed as possible.The Buteyko method may increase your oxygen saturation.
Step 2: Respiratory training will give you the best health benefits.
While occasionally making the conscious effort to breathe more slowly and deeply benefits your oxygen saturation, making more lasting adjustments to your breathing patterns will produce superior results.Both healthy individuals and those with breathing-related medical conditions can increase their oxygen saturation through respiratory training.If you have a medical condition like COPD, you should talk to your health care team about respiratory training.Guided breathing training can be found outside of a medical setting, such as joining a yoga class or being instructed in breathing techniques by a respiratory trainer or vocal coach.
Step 3: Try to cough.
It is possible to improve your oxygen saturation with controlled coughing, as it will help to clear the secretions that may be obstructing your airway.It's a common instruction after surgery to make sure your airway is clear.If this helps you to breathe easier, try coughing a few times.
Step 4: Practice pursed-lips breathing.
During your day, you can increase your oxygen saturation by doing a simple breathing exercise called pursed-lips breathing.It's one of the easiest ways to get more oxygen into your lungs.For about two seconds, breathe in through your nose.Hold the breath in and kiss your lips.For about six seconds, exhale through your pursed lips.As desired, repeat as many times as possible.
Step 5: As prescribed, use supplemental oxygen.
If you have low oxygen saturation levels due to a condition like COPD, your doctor may place you on supplemental oxygen.Oxygen tanks, flexible tubing, and a cannula are used in this treatment.Patients who follow their prescribed oxygen regimen can lead long and active lives.You should resist this treatment because you are worried you will be stuck in bed for the rest of your life.You can go out and about with more energy and endurance with portable tanks.
Step 6: Oxygen saturation needs to be checked regularly.
People on supplemental oxygen will usually be taught how to check their oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter.The process is painless and quick.If you have a doctor's recommendation, you can adjust your supplemental oxygen to compensate for lower saturation readings.
Step 7: As directed, take any prescribed medication.
If you have low oxygen saturation due to COPD or a similar condition, you will likely take medication and use supplemental oxygen.These may include controller medications that you will take on a regular schedule to improve your breathing and lung function, as well as rescue medications to use when you are having more acute breathing difficulties.There are many types of medications that may be prescribed to you.Make sure you understand your doctor's instructions and follow the plan.The medications are called bronchodilators.bronchodilators help to increase oxygenation by increasing the diameter of your airways.
Step 8: Ask your doctor if you can use a continuous positive airway pressure machine.
If you have osa, your airway might not stay open on its own.This could lead to a decrease in oxygen saturation.Get a PAP or BiPap machine if you want to keep your airway open and raise your oxygen saturation.You wear a mask over your mouth and nose when you use the machine.
Step 9: There are emerging treatments that you should keep an eye out for.
The common and effective treatment plan for low oxygen saturation continues to be supplemental oxygen, medication, and respiratory training.Stem cell treatment is when stem cells from your blood or bone marrow are isolated and reintroduced to your lungs.New treatments can carry new risks or turn out not to be as effective as first thought.Do some research on your own to find out what options are out there, and work with your medical team to determine the treatment plan that is right for you.
Step 10: You can quit smoking.
Breathing in smoke from tobacco products can damage your lungs.If you smoke and have low oxygen saturation levels, quitting is the most important step you can take.Seek help to quit.Smoking is a fire hazard if you are on supplemental oxygen.Many people have died or been seriously burned due to using supplemental oxygen while smoking.
Step 11: It's time to breathe fresh air.
People who live in higher altitudes tend to have lower saturation levels in the surrounding atmosphere.The more oxygen and less particulates in the air you breathe, the better for your oxygen saturation.If you live in an area with fresh air, you should open a window or go outside.Plants increase oxygen levels.Dust should be cleaned regularly.If you want, invest in air cleaners.Don't expect a big increase in oxygen saturation; use it in coordination with other changes.
Step 12: If necessary, lose excess weight.
If you have a body mass index that is above recommended levels, the excess weight you carry will cause you to breathe with more difficulty and less efficiency.Lower body mass index levels correlate with higher oxygen saturation levels.Losing weight makes it easier for you to use the oxygen in your body.Compare it to how an unloaded car uses fuel.
Step 13: It's a good idea to exercise sensibly.
Aerobic exercise does not increase oxygen saturation, but it will increase your ability to use the oxygen you do have more efficiently.Exercise that helps you lose excess weight is more likely to have a positive effect on oxygen saturation levels.If you have COPD, you will have restrictions on your exercise choices.Work with your medical team to come up with a plan for you.
Step 14: You should consume more water.
A water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.Oxygen enters your body when you drink water or eat water-rich foods.If you have low levels of oxygen, regular hydration is a sensible part of your plan.Fruits and vegetables are water-rich and healthy, while plain water is the best choice for hydration.You can also try fresh-made fruit juices and smoothies.The mucus in your airway can be loosened by drinking water.They will be able to stay open and have more oxygen access.
Step 15: Instead of lying down, try sitting up.
If you choose to sit instead of lie down, you can cause a slight increase in your oxygen saturation.Sitting up may make it easier for you to breathe when you are resting or relaxing.Don't use this as an excuse not to get up and be active, as improving your overall fitness will provide a greater, lasting benefit.You can change your position to increase your oxygen saturation.This is not a surgery to improve your oxygen saturation.If you are laying down, raise the head of your bed to at least 30 degrees.If you elevate the head of your bed to 45 to 60 degrees, you may be able to improve your oxygen saturation even more.
Step 16: Accept that there will be variations in oxygen saturation levels.
Oxygen saturation levels below 90% are often considered problematic, but every individual is different.Oxygen saturation levels will vary from person to person based on a number of factors.Don't get fixated on a specific number; instead, work with your doctor to find the range that suits your overall health best