{"id":26455,"date":"2021-08-19T21:09:25","date_gmt":"2021-08-19T21:09:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medical.andonline.com\/?p=26455"},"modified":"2023-06-14T03:22:39","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T03:22:39","slug":"getting-a-read-on-respiratory-health-and-pulse-oximeters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medical.andonline.com\/getting-a-read-on-respiratory-health-and-pulse-oximeters\/?lang=ce","title":{"rendered":"Getting a Read on Respiratory Health and Pulse Oximeters"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting a Read on Respiratory Health and Pulse Oximeters<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

This past year has brought with it many lessons. One that may have escaped your notice is the importance of monitoring respiratory health. If that string of words doesn\u2019t ring any bells, just take a deep breath, inhale, exhale, and keep reading.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Good news! Assuming you were able to accomplish that simple task, your respiratory health is in pretty good shape. Respiratory health, or lung health, was at the center of discussions surrounding COVID-19, but beyond the pandemic how much do you know about lung health and how it\u2019s measured? Well, that\u2019s a complicated question, but one of the tools used is the\u00a0pulse oximeter<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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What\u2019s a pulse oximeter?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This tool that\u2019s common place in hospitals and clinical settings is still a bit mystifying to most of us. So, what is it? Well, aside from the finger clippie thing (that\u2019s a technical term) they put on you at the hospital \u2013 it\u2019s an electronic device that measures the oxygen saturation levels in your blood cells. It performs this task quickly and without using needles or taking a blood sample, allowing for oxygen levels to be monitored in real-time.<\/p>\n

Fun fact \u2013 pulse oximeters are usually attached to your fingers, but can also be attached to the forehead, foot, ears, toes, or even your nose. Let that be a reminder to be kind to your medical staff.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

Getting a reading<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When it comes to understanding the numbers in a pulse oximeter reading, it\u2019s fairly simple. Anything higher than 90% is generally satisfactory. Anything below, and you should monitor for other symptoms (such as blue lips, fingers, or nails) and, if you\u2019re\u00a0monitoring at home<\/a>, contact your healthcare provider immediately.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that readings should also be considered with previous monitoring, to determine if there has been a significant drop.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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Who are they for?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Pulse oximeters<\/a>\u00a0can be a helpful tool for monitoring and managing a range of respiratory health conditions. Some common situations where they are used include:<\/p>\n