Characteristics of Low Oxygen Saturation, Conditions Often Experienced by COVID-19 Patients

Jakarta -

Respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 can trigger a decrease in oxygen saturation in the blood. This condition can cause cells and tissues in the body not to function properly, it can even be fatal if not treated immediately.

Quoted from Medical News Today, lack of oxygen in the blood can also be referred to as hypoxemia. A person whose oxygen saturation is low can be measured using an oximeter.

Here's how to find out the oxygen saturation in the blood using an oximeter.

• Normal blood oxygen saturation: 95-100 percent
• Low oxygen saturation in the blood: less than 90 percent.

In addition, the characteristics of low oxygen saturation can also be seen from the symptoms experienced by the patient. Here are some of them.

• Hard to breathe
• Headache
• restless
• Dizzy
• Quick breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Blood pressure rises
• Blurred vision
• Delirious
• Fast heartbeat.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also advised every COVID-19 patient undergoing self-isolation to have an oximeter. This tool is useful for monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation.

"Another thing in the new guidelines is that COVID-19 patients at home should use a pulse oximeter, which measures oxygen levels. So you can identify whether at home their condition is worsening, or would be better off in hospital," WHO spokeswoman Margaret said. Harris some time ago as quoted by Reuters.

What to do if the oxygen saturation is low?

According to the general chairman of the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI), Dr. Agus Dwi Susanto, SpP(K), FISR, FAPSR, if the oxygen saturation is below 93 percent, the patient needs to receive oxygen supplementation immediately.

"If it is less than or equal to 93 percent, oxygen supplementation should be given. It's just that for this oxygen the method of administration varies. Some are oxygen cylinders, some are masks, some are high pressure to a ventilator. explained Dr. Agus on detik.com, Tuesday (6/7/2021).

However, as an initial treatment, the patient can apply the proning position to improve respiratory circulation. According to Dr. Agus, this method can maximize lung function to get additional oxygen.

If the patient's oxygen saturation level does not improve, seek medical attention immediately at the hospital. Therefore, it is important for us to know the characteristics of low oxygen saturation in order to determine what steps to take.

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(ryh / kna)

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