Adequate oxygen saturation values are between 95% and 100%. These values may vary in respiratory diseases, circulatory problems or other conditions.
Oxygen is a necessary molecule for most living things. All cells in our body use it as fuel to perform their functions. Therefore, oxygen saturation is a standard that we can measure and is very important.
Oxygen saturation is defined as the fraction of hemoglobin in our blood that is bound to oxygen and therefore carries oxygen . Hemoglobin is a component of our red blood cells that does just that: It carries oxygen to all of our cells.
Measuring this parameter has become an important step in medicine because when oxygen saturation levels fall below a certain percentage, our lives are at risk.
This problem is often associated with respiratory diseases. For example, various viruses can alter these levels, complicating the clinical picture.
Therefore, in this article, we will explain everything you need to know about oxygen saturation.
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What is oxygen saturation?
As we mentioned before, oxygen saturation is a parameter that expresses the percentage of hemoglobin that binds to oxygen. This percentage can vary depending on many conditions, such as respiratory function.
Normal saturation values are between 95% and 100% because our cells cannot fully perform their functions at a saturation below 89%.
In fact, if oxygen saturation levels drop for a short time, it is likely that no harm will come to our organism. However, if this situation continues or recurs, it can have troubling consequences for the tissues in our body.
When oxygen saturation drops, we enter a state called hypoxemia . This is the medical way of saying that oxygen levels in the blood are below normal. It’s usually related to circulatory or respiratory problems.
Hemoglobin is inside red blood cells and carries oxygen from there throughout the body.
How is oxygen saturation measured?
Currently, there are different ways to measure oxygen saturation. The most common and accessible way is to use a device called a pulse oximeter . It is a small, pincer-like device that can be placed on the finger or toe.
A pulse oximeter, also known as a pulse oximeter, emits light beams that pass through the skin and measure oxygen levels in the blood. The mechanism is complex, but it allows us to measure both saturation and heart rate .
Another way to measure oxygen saturation is with arterial blood gases. This technique involves drawing blood from an artery. Unlike pulse oximetry, this technique allows other values, such as percent carbon dioxide or blood pH, to be measured.
However, although blood gas analysis is a more complete test, it is also more complex and invasive. Therefore, pulse oximetry is generally the most common measuring device because it is quick and painless.
Pulse oximeter provides quick and painless measurement.
What happens in case of hypoxemia?
Hypoxemia can occur for a variety of reasons . First, it can occur because there is not enough oxygen in the air we breathe. It can also occur when our lungs are not functioning properly. In order to prevent hypoxemia, the lungs must be able to breathe in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide properly.
Hypoxemia can also be caused by a circulatory problem . Blood must be able to reach the lungs and pick up oxygen to carry to all parts of the body. Some specific causes are asthma or heart disease .
The most typical symptom of low oxygen saturation is shortness of breath. Headache, dizziness, and weakness may also occur. If the condition is prolonged, confusion and disorientation may also occur.
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Conclusion
In principle, a healthy person does not need to have a pulse oximeter at home or monitor oxygen saturation. However, this device is an essential measuring tool at any level of medical care, especially if there is a respiratory or blood problem.
The benefit that these small, portable devices bring to medical care allows for improved early diagnosis. At a glance, a doctor can have important information to determine treatment or hospitalization.
