The supply of oxygen to all body organs is essential to ensure they function as expected. Nevertheless, oxygen supply to all organs among infants, those with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, or individuals suffering from some infections may not be effective. Knowing oxygen concentrations in these patients at the right time can save lives.
Pulse oximeters are used to measure the amount of oxygen reaching the organs or simply oxygen saturation. A healthy person records oxygen saturation levels of 95 to 100 percent. Levels below 90 percent require medical attention. The device may be used by:
People with sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes one to stop breathing while sleeping. This leads to oxygen deprivation in vital organs and may cause weight gain, heart diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, stroke, or even depression. The device could be used to take oxygen levels during the nighttime for people with severe snoring or suspected sleep apnea.
People with circulatory problems
Circulatory problems are common among people with diabetes. Blood supply to the arms and lower legs is limited leading to a condition called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). When unchecked for long, the patient may be unable to walk long distances due to pain. Measuring the concentration of oxygen in these organs can help in determining the best remedy.
Vulnerable patients
Young infants in neonatal intensive care unit or other vulnerable patients may have a problem with blood and oxygen supply. Medical staff may need to be around to correct any drop in oxygen saturation, which can only be achieved by using the device.
Although physical exercises is good for your health, it may be risky for some people to engage in such vigorous movements. Some medical practitioners recommend people with respiratory or cardiovascular problems to use the device to monitor their oxygen saturation when exercising.
When a patient is taken to a hospital with respiratory cases, the doctors may introduce breathing interventions like ventilators and oxygen therapy. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of such procedures can only be ascertained by taking oxygen concentration in different organs.
Apart from the vital role that pulse oximeters play in keeping the people healthy and saving lives, the device is easy to operate. Its ability to measure oxygen concentration in the blood in real time and non-invasively has made it one of the commonest medical devices.
Although pulse oximeters work effectively, there a few things you need to know to get the best results. Nail polish, excessive movement, low blood pressure, and cold fingers affect the finger devices. You may get inaccurate results when you have artificial nails. Atrial fibrillation is also known to cause incorrect readings.
