The answer to this question isn’t just one line. The normal oxygen saturation at sea level is around 95-100%. When you move towards higher altitude, temperature extremes, or exercise, it goes down. However, when the oxygen level gets in between 85-90%, it leads to hypoxia.
- Below 85% causes cognitive problems
- Below 65% causes mental impairment
- Below 55% leads to consciousness loss that can lead to death
Signs and symptoms of shortness of breath
On the severity of condition, sign and symptoms may varry. Here is the list
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Headache
- Wheezing
- Fast heartbeat
- Bluish color in skin, fingernails, and lips
When to visit a Doctor
Health consequences can also be due to lower oxygen levels. The patient should see the doctor as soon as he is experiencing the following symptoms.
- Slight or no exertion leads to shortness of breath
- Tightness in chest
- Abrupt awakening from sleep due to shortness of breath
- Noticing signs of cyanosis (hands, feet, lips or fingernails get blue color)
- Unable to breathe properly
- Oxygen level drops below 88%
Preventive measures
Self-care suggestions can also help with hypoxemia. Here are the preventive measures.
- Take prescribed medication
- Do routinely medical checkup
- Avoid passive smoking
- Quit smoking
- Practice deep breath exercising
- Do prescribed exercise
- Drink/Eat healthily
- Don’t be out of shape
- Avoid panic attacks or anxiety
Monitoring blood oxygen level
Oximetry is the best option to monitor your blood oxygen level. People with breathing issues should monitor their oxygen percentage through the non-invasive oximeter device. Another important thing to note is that it’s normal for people having COPD or other lung problems, to have oxygen level saturation in blood around 88-92%.
fred brush says
ive had corvid and it has settled in my lungs, i am on oxygen 24/7 but ive noticied that some times my oxygen will drop to 62 or 64 . but with reguling my breathing i can raise it back up to 88 or even 98, is this normal?
Ed Harmon says
When I exercise my oxygen will drop to 88 if I push my self. How low is to low when you are exercising?
Laurie says
I have COPD and yes you can get your oxygen levels back up by breathing in with your nose and expel through your mouth with purse lips slowing down the expelled air. Do this several times over and you will see your oxygen levels rise to a 90% + if your not too damaged with your lungs.
Don’t leave that low oxygen level to long , that is a dangerous level.