Oxygen level under 88%, in any case, is dangerous for vital organs. Around 80%, the organs gradually start to shut down. Before the patient experience that stage, he/she should be rushed to the hospital.
- Cognitive problems occur below 85%
- Mental impairment happens below 65%
- Below 55% leads to consciousness loss and death
What is pulse oximeter
The pulse oximeter is a non-invasive device that is used to measure the oxygen level in the blood. Its readings are accurate and are used to monitor patients having health issues.
Benefits of pulse oximeter
The pulse oximeter not only measures your oxygen level in blood but also the pulse rate. It is used in the following scenarios
- To check if a ventilator is working
- To monitor how much physical exertion a person can tolerate
- To monitor the oxygen level during and after surgery
- To see the oxygen level in a person having lung issues
- Measure the pulse rate and oxygen concentration in the people having breathing issues
Normal oxygen level in blood
Oxygen levels in healthy individuals should be around 95-100%. However, due to higher altitudes, temperature extremes, and exertion, the value might decrease to 90-95%.
In the case of COPD and people with lung issues, it’s normal to have an oxygen level in the range of 88-92%. Oxygen level under 88% can be life-threatening.
Linda says
Can my Asma pump help if my oxygen is at 88%
Haseeb says
Hi Linda,
If a person has asthma, they may have low oxygen levels during an asthma attack due to the impact the condition can have on the lungs. However, this is not always the case. A person can experience an asthma attack without it impacting the level of oxygen in their blood.
If a person believes that they are experiencing low oxygen levels, they should contact a medical professional as soon as possible.
Scott says
I just got Covid-19 – 4 days ago and woke up at 4AM today with a nasty headache and sweats. I checked my SPO2 and it was between 85 and 88%. It was hard to even get a reading. I got up and walked around and it came up to 92%. Now I’m sitting up and it is 93%. My Doctor doesn’t want to see me because She doesn’t allow Covid Patients in her office. I’m think ER may be next.
Irina says
I am confused. Im a 66 year old female who has been dx with ideopathic ILD in 2006. I never had any symptoms until July of 2022 when I experienced an exacerbation. I am now on oxygen 24/7. If I’m sitting and using a concentrator, my SPO2 readings are always at 97-99%. Without oxygen, I can fall as low as the high 80’s but average at 92%. My pulmonologist feels that 92% is fine. He says that having readings at 98% and more will make my lungs dependent on supplemental oxygen. Is that true? I was under the impression that anything under 95% was dangerous.
Gavin says
How dangerous is it for me or what can happen to me because my sats sometimes are as low as 25 please reply and what can I do to improve this
Ali says
Some pulse oxymeter is not colclate the oxygen levels .but some the patients is depression / or use of durgs.we always depending on patients history .