The Role of Pulse Oximetry in Respiratory Health Monitoring

In today's time,pulse oximeters are coming into the game for the extra benefit they come with. It is non-invasive, so no needle has to be inserted into the skin. Being lightweight, portable, feasible, and affordable makes it a good choice for people with certain diseases. Also, pulse oximeters are wonderful for monitoring the level of oxygenated blood in the body. Within this blog, we will be discovering more about pulse oximeters and their importance.

* What is a pulse oximeter?

The pulse oximeter is a device that helps measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood. As far as it is concerned, it is considered one of the painless devices where the blood is not to be used to check the saturation level. 

The working of pulse oximeters is simple. A clip-like device has to be sandwiched around a finger. The device uses light, which measures the level of oxygen. The reason behind using this is to know whether the body has enough oxygen to help with the body’s functioning. 

* Benefits of using pulse oximeters:

1. Accurate readings: Pulse oximeters are being designed in a way that uses dual technology. That helps the wavelength differentiate between oxygenated blood and deoxygenated blood. This advancement helps significantly in showing accurate reading.
   
2. Portability: Another striking feature of pulse oximeters is that they are portable. This means it can be carried and used anywhere and everywhere. They are also easy to use and lightweight, which makes them a great fit to use both at home and in the clinic. Also, it's non-invasive in nature, which eliminates the procedure of using needles or equipment to monitor the level.
   
3. Early detection: Pulse oximeters help in the early detection of either hypoxia or hypoxemia. Hypoxemia means having a partial pressure of oxygen in the blood, whereas hypoxia means a reduced level of oxygenation in tissue. Knowing this beforehand can help in early treatment, consequently avoiding risky situations.
4. Indicating side effects: Taking up pulse oximeters can significantly help in detecting the side effects of any medications or drugs. Oftentimes, people consuming any medications develop the issue of having oxygen levels drop. 
5. Peace of mind: Lastly, it greatly reduces stress for those with respiratory or cardiovascular issues. As pulse oximeters indicate the situation is under control, they also alarm if it slips out of control. It also helps in assessing any need for supplemental oxygen in the body.

* What disease can pulse oximeters detect? 

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Sleep apnea
• Asthma
• Lung infections
• Pneumonia
• Heart failure
• Covid-19

* When should I see a doctor?

Cases of negligence are common. It's not very easy to detect the symptoms of low oxygen levels in the body and know their severity. This part can help you know when to see the doctor or use pulse oximeters at home. Following are the symptoms that you must not ignore if they emerge:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Wheezing
• Constant coughing
• Faster heartbeat rate
• Tiredness
• Pain in chest

A pulse oximeter signifies a low level, which can become a signal to visit the doctor. Any of the above symptoms is not just a sign of a low oxygen level but also shows the possible chances of developing respiratory problems. 

* Summing up: 

It needs to be noted that a decreased level of oxygen saturation is interrelated with respiratory issues. Therefore, having such medical devices can not only help prevent them but also manage respiratory care. Therefore, it is advised to consult with a doctor when any symptoms arise and use a pulse oximeter if you are more likely to have low oxygen levels.