Blood Oxygen Saturation: An Important Indicator of Health

Blood oxygen saturation is one of the crucial indicators of physical health. Under normal conditions, the blood oxygen saturation of the human body ranges from 95-100%. When the blood oxygen saturation falls below 90%, it is considered a low blood oxygen saturation level, which can have negative impacts on health. People may experience symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, slowed thinking, and even shortness of breath.

Dangers of Low Blood Oxygen Saturation

1. Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath is a common symptom of low blood oxygen saturation. When this symptom occurs, it means that the patient must seek immediate medical attention. Shortness of breath can also be caused by other chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, which can hinder the delivery of sufficient oxygen to the bloodstream. Persistent low blood oxygen saturation can lead to permanent damage to the respiratory system.

2. Energy Levels: The body requires a significant amount of energy for survival activities, and oxygen is one of the sources of energy for tissue cells. Therefore, low blood oxygen saturation can affect the energy supply to cells. Insufficient energy can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, slowed thinking, decreased attention, and reduced resistance. Yawning is a natural response to fatigue as it helps the body actively inhale more oxygen. If you frequently experience fatigue, it may be due to low blood oxygen saturation, and it is recommended to undergo a physical examination to assess your health status.

3. Brain Function: The brain is the most sensitive organ to hypoxia. When brain cells lack oxygen, it can severely impact health and even cause irreversible brain damage that can be life-threatening. Persistent low blood oxygen saturation can lead to memory loss, personality changes, and other mental issues. If symptoms such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue accompany low blood oxygen saturation, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

4. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema: Low blood oxygen saturation can also be caused by external environmental changes. At high altitudes, the air is thinner and contains less oxygen than at lower elevations. When engaging in physical activities, the body can easily become hypoxic, leading to symptoms such as headache, edema, and rapid breathing. Failure to promptly supplement oxygen can pose a fatal risk.

Management of Low Blood Oxygen Saturation

Method 1: In many cases, low blood oxygen saturation is caused by hypoxia, which can be attributed to various reasons, primarily related to cardiopulmonary diseases. Therefore, it is essential for patients to undergo a check-up to assess their cardiopulmonary function. If heart disease is diagnosed, it is necessary to manage it with medication or surgical intervention. Patients should also focus on inhaling fresh oxygen and actively cooperate with medical personnel.

Method 2: When blood oxygen saturation is low, patients may experience symptoms such as bluish lips and frequent dizziness. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment. Oxygen therapy may be prescribed, and blood analysis may be required. High-pressure oxygen chamber treatment may also be considered. If the hypoxia is due to bronchial spasms, medications such as aminophylline and phosphodiesterase inhibitors can be prescribed.

Method 3: In addition to timely treatment, patients with low blood oxygen saturation should also pay attention to their diet. Foods like tofu puree and walnuts can help supplement vitamins and aid in recovery. It is recommended to limit salt intake, avoid smoking, and minimize spicy food consumption during the treatment period, as these can potentially harm the body.