We can all agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and breathe. Ever since the virus was first made known to the world back in 2020, many people who were diagnosed with Covid suffered from respiratory problems and low blood oxygen levels. However, given the complexity of the virus, the only possible way of knowing whether a person was infected was through a PCR test conducted at a secure testing facility.
As a result of the health crises that we are currently facing, it is important to monitor your health regularly to ensure that your blood oxygen levels are within normal range. In doing so, this is where accessible, non-invasive devices come in handy, especially pulse oximeters which can detect a change in oxygen levels that may even require the attention of a medical practitioner. Below, we will decipher the importance of a pulse oximeter and how it may help detect the oxygen blood levels of your body if you have the virus.
What is a Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen levels in your blood. It’s a small clip-on device that you attach to the end of your finger or sometimes toe for infants. Before COVID-19, this device was often used in critical care settings, such as clinics and hospitals. Nowadays, your doctor may recommend that you have one at home.
Why is it Important?
Patients who have been diagnosed with lung or cardiac conditions often use pulse oximeters to monitor the progression of their health condition. Like blood pressure or body temperature, a normal oxygen level indicates that the body is functioning properly. One reading with a pulse oximeter can painlessly tell you your oxygen saturation or SpO2 along with your heart rate.
Indication of Health
One of the main purposes of pulse oximetry is to see if your blood is well-oxygenated. Shining a light through a relatively transparent area of the skin can indicate your oxygen saturation using a complex equation and other data to estimate the exact level.
Through its LED display, you’ll see a percentage which typically shows up in seconds. This is your oxygen saturation level, which is used to assess or indicate your health. It’s helpful for people who may have sleep apnoea, hypoxemia, or COVID-19.
Detecting COVID-19
The coronavirus doesn’t always manifest in breathing problems. Patients may check in at the hospital with steady and normal breathing. However, upon further examination, it may signal that their lungs are failing to oxygenate their blood–an indication of pneumonia and, sometimes, COVID-19.
It is crucial to know that normal oxygen saturation levels are between 95 and 100 percent. If your reading is below 90 percent, contact your doctor as research has shown that lowered oxygen saturation levels in COVID-19 patients.
Please bear in mind that although a pulse oximeter can be used to indicate the presence of Covid-19 , we still recommend getting a PCR lab test if you come in contact with a COVID-19 positive patient to confirm if you are infected.
Managing COVID-19 Symptoms
If you have been diagnosed with Covid-19, it is important to monitor your body temperature and oxygen saturation levels to help in treating the virus. The pulse oximeter will help you maintain proper health and show improvements in your daily treatment.
More than that, you will know if your levels are decreasing below the minimum oxygen levels for COVID-19 patients. Early and consistent readings with your trusted pulse oximeter will help prevent respiratory failure, as long as you contact your doctor immediately.
Pulse Oximeter and COVID-19
Today, COVID-19 anxiety seems to be a universal experience as no one can ever really be sure whether they have contracted the virus or not. Although a pulse oximeter can read consistently low oxygen saturation levels which is a criterion of COVID-19, it is important to always consult with your healthcare professional as this may be caused by underlying health conditions, such as asthma, and COPD as suggested by American Lung Association. Thus, you should still be vigilant for early COVID-19 symptoms.
Quality Pulse Oximeters from Home Healthcare Online
Unsurprisingly, the pulse oximeter has gotten special attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Who wouldn’t want a quick, non-invasive, and completely painless test to know if they have a normal blood oxygen level. It’s an accessible and inexpensive tool that will help you monitor your health. However, many individuals often wonder about the effectiveness of different pulse oximeter brands and which one is best for their circumstances.
At Home Healthcare Online, we provide world-class health monitoring tools and other medical innovations that match the industry-standard quality ensuring effectiveness with all our products. If you’re on the lookout to buy budget friendly pulse oximeters that don't compromise on quality, visit our shop front. Also see our other products available like infection control Australia, unvalved masks Australia and valved masks Australia.