Have you ever wondered how well your body is breathing? It’s not something we think about every day, but it’s important to our health.
One way to measure this is by checking your blood oxygen level. But what exactly is a blood oxygen level, and why is it so important?
Keep reading to learn about blood oxygen levels and ways to improve them and maintain overall health.
What is the blood oxygen level?
Your blood oxygen level, also known as oxygen saturation (Sp02), measures how much oxygen your red blood cells are carrying.
“Oxygen is essential for your body to function properly,” said Maria Herrera, MD, a critical care medicine specialist and pulmonologist with Banner Health. “Every cell in your body needs oxygen to produce energy and perform its tasks.”
Maintaining healthy levels of blood oxygen also helps with brain function, heart health and a healthy immune system.
Once your body uses oxygen, carbon dioxide is created as a waste product. Your blood carries this carbon dioxide back to your lungs, where you breathe it out through your mouth and nose. This constant exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is important for keeping your body running smoothly.
How is blood oxygen level measured?
Blood oxygen levels are usually measured using a pulse oximeter. This small device clips onto your finger and uses light to estimate the amount of oxygen in your blood. It’s quick, painless and gives you results in seconds.
“In some cases, health care providers may use a blood test called an arterial blood gas (ABG) to get a more accurate measurement,” Dr. Herrera said. “This test also looks at the acid-base balance in your blood, also known as pH. Too much or too little of acid in your blood can be harmful.”
What do the numbers mean?
Your blood oxygen level is measured as a percentage. An average level typically ranges from 95% to 100%, which means that 95% to 100% of your red blood cells are carrying oxygen.
It’s important to note that these numbers can vary depending on your age, health conditions, skin color and even the altitude at which you live.
“Levels below 90% are considered low and can indicate a condition called hypoxemia, which means your body isn’t getting enough oxygen,” Dr. Herrera said.
Hypoxemia can cause you to cough and wheeze, but other symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Tired or fatigued
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your health care provider immediately or go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room to be evaluated.
What causes low blood oxygen levels?
Certain health conditions can cause low blood oxygen levels, including:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): This group of lung diseases makes breathing hard and reduces oxygen levels.
- Asthma: Severe asthma attacks can lower your blood oxygen levels.
- Heart disease: Conditions like heart failure can reduce oxygen levels in your blood.
- Sleep apnea: This condition causes you to stop breathing briefly during sleep, lowering your blood oxygen levels at night.
- Cystic fibrosis: This condition causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, making breathing difficult and reducing oxygen levels.
- Anemia: Low red blood cell count, or hemoglobin, reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity.
- Respiratory infections: Conditions like pneumonia and COVID-19 can reduce blood oxygen levels.
Environmental and situational events can also impact blood oxygen levels, such as:
- Being at a higher altitude
- Smoking
- Medications like opioids and benzodiazepines
Monitoring your blood oxygen levels
Measuring your oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter may be a good idea if you have an underlying medical condition that can affect oxygen levels and you are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully for accurate readings.
Some of the latest wearable fitness devices also measure your blood oxygen levels. Devices like the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch and certain Fitbit and Garmin devices track it from your wrist. These devices should be used with some caveats.
“There’s a lot of variability in how these devices measure the oxygen levels and the FDA has not cleared these methods,” Dr. Herrera said. “As long as you compare the results to those from an FDA-approved device, they’re fine.”
While pulse oximeters are generally reliable, some factors can also affect their accuracy:
- Nail polish and artificial nails: Dark-colored nail polish, mainly black, green or blue, can affect the light sensor on the pulse oximeter. Similarly, artificial nails can also affect measurements. It’s recommended to remove polish and artificial nails when using a finger pulse oximeter for a more accurate reading.
- Darker skin tone: Research has shown that pulse oximeters can sometimes give less accurate readings for people with darker skin tones. It’s important to be aware of this and seek medical advice if you have concerns.
- Movement: Excessive movement can cause inaccurate readings. Try to remain still during the measurement.
If you have concerns about your blood oxygen levels, it’s always best to talk to your provider. They can provide a more accurate measurement and help determine the cause of low levels. If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain or confusion, call 911 and go to the nearest emergency department.
How to improve your blood oxygen levels
If your blood oxygen level is low, there are several things you can do to improve it:
- Practice deep breathing: Deep breathing exercises or slow deep breathing can help increase the amount of oxygen in your blood.
- Stay active: Regular exercise increases endurance and builds muscle mass, which improves your ability to perform tasks and activities.
- Quit smoking: Smoking damages your lungs and reduces your blood oxygen levels. Quitting can help improve your levels.
- Use supplemental oxygen: If your provider has said you qualify for supplemental oxygen, this can help ensure you’re getting the oxygen you need.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help your blood carry oxygen more efficiently.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Foods rich in iron, like leafy greens and lean meats, prevent anemia therefore allowing for blood to carry oxygen to your organs and tissues.
- Lose weight: Excess weight and obesity, especially around your belly, can physically compress the lungs, making it harder for you to fully expand and take in oxygen. Weight loss reduces this pressure, allowing the lungs to work better.
Conclusion
Understanding your blood oxygen level is important for maintaining your health and well-being. By taking steps to improve your oxygen levels and monitoring any changes, you can ensure your body gets the oxygen it needs to function at its best.
Remember, if you have concerns, see your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist.
