Table of Contents

• Why Check Oxygen Levels at Home?
• How to Check Oxygen Levels at Home
• Oxygen Levels are Just Part of the Picture
• Concluding Thoughts

When you hear people talking about measuring oxygen levels at home, most of the time, they are referring to a simple technique called pulse oximetry. This is an easy and painless test that will measure the “saturation” (how much there is available to use) level of oxygen (02) in your blood. It’s an important tool for monitoring the health of senior citizens, especially those with conditions that affect oxygen levels, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, asthma, or pneumonia. It is measured in percentages (%). This reading will give an indication of how well oxygen is being sent to different parts of your body. Typically, furthest from your heart, such as the arms and legs.

The amount of 02 in your blood is just one of several vital signs doctors use to monitor how well your body is functioning and whether or not there may be an infection or condition that needs to be addressed.

Again, for seniors, maintaining proper oxygen saturation levels is vital because they typically have a reduced physiological ability to compensate for lower oxygen levels. A decrease in oxygen saturation could go unnoticed without the warning signs that would typically prompt a younger person to seek medical help. This is where the pulse oximeter shines; it can detect low oxygen levels even before symptoms appear, providing an early warning signal.

Here’s how it works: The oximeter device usually clips onto one of your fingertips. Inside the clip is a (red) light source, a light detector, and a microprocessor, which all work together to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. This is based on how the light passes through your fingertip. This is displayed as a percentage known as “SpO2”. A normal level is typically between 95% and 100% for most healthy individuals.

But for others that may have lung damage or certain conditions, 88%-92% would be considered “normal”.

Why Check Oxygen Levels at Home?

Monitoring oxygen levels at home may be important in various situations, such as:

1. Chronic Lung Conditions: Patients with chronic respiratory diseases like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis may need to regularly monitor their oxygen levels to manage their condition and adjust oxygen therapy if they’re receiving it.
2. Heart Conditions: Certain heart conditions, especially those that affect the heart’s ability to pump blood or cause irregular heartbeats, may necessitate regular monitoring of oxygen levels. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a common condition.
3. Sleep Apnea: In this condition, a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Monitoring oxygen levels can help assess the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatments like CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). When you sleep your breathing becomes more shallow and oxygen levels may need to be checked to make sure you’re getting enough.
4. COVID-19 or Other Respiratory Infections: Patients recovering at home may need to monitor their oxygen levels, as COVID-19 and similar respiratory infections can cause levels to drop, sometimes without noticeable symptoms (silent hypoxemia).
5. After Surgery: Some patients may need to monitor their oxygen saturation after certain types of surgery, especially if they’ve had procedures that affect the lungs or heart.

How to Check Oxygen Levels at Home

First you’ll need a pulse oximeter. They are not that expensive and can be found on Amazon, or, at most any pharmacies, Target or Walmart. It’s important to use the pulse oximeter correctly for accurate readings. Make sure the person’s hand is warm, relaxed, and held below the level of the heart. The finger should be free of nail polish or artificial nails, as these can affect the light absorption and thus the readings.

If the oxygen levels drop below what the doctor has recommended, which is often 90% (but could vary based on any specific condition) it’s important to let the doctor (and any other involved healthcare professional) know and then follow any action plan they may or may have given you. This might include getting on, or increasing the amount of oxygen they may have at the home. If you don’t have oxygen at home, then you may need to get them to a doctor and that may mean the emergency room.

Oxygen Levels are Just Part of the Picture

It’s important to remember, while pulse oximetry is a good tool for monitoring oxygen levels, an oximeter only measured 2 of several vital signs. So, its not a substitute for a complete assessment of how your care recipient is feeling or functioning over all. If there are signs of distress, difficulty breathing, or any other concerning symptoms, you need to seek medical advice immediately, even if your pulse oximeter shows normal oxygen levels.

If 02 levels start to dip, being able to catch it early can make a world of difference. This is especially for those in the elderly community. They’re a bit more vulnerable to conditions like pneumonia or heart failure. And if they have home oxygen, a pulse oximeter really is an essential tool. Regularly taking your Sp02 as well as blood pressure and temperature can give your family doctor a lot more information than they typically get during a quick office visit.

Concluding…

Regular monitoring with a pulse oximeter can provide peace of mind for both the senior and the caregiver. It’s a simple, quick check that offers immediate feedback on the senior’s respiratory health status. In the current times, especially considering respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, the relevance and utility of pulse oximetry in the home setting have become even more pronounced.

Understanding and utilizing pulse oximetry can be a crucial aspect of a senior’s health regimen, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed promptly, thereby maintaining their overall health and well-being.