Normal O2 Level
Oxygen levels are measured several different ways to determine if the body is receiving adequate amounts of oxygen. Making up 21 percent of the air humans breath, oxygen is a vital component to our daily lives.
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Individual Levels
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Normal blood oxygen saturation is great than 95 percent for healthy individuals. Respiratory compromised individuals who have illnesses such as COPD, lung disease and other disorders may maintain levels between 88 percent and 95 percent.
History
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The beginning of oxygen therapy began in 1917 by Dr. J.S. Haldane. Haldane treated soldiers in WWI who suffered from gas injuries. The era of modern oxygen use is noted to begin here.
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Anatomy and Physiology
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The normal breathing in of air includes lungs filling with oxygen that is transported to red blood cells. The cells carry oxygen and disperse it to the body as blood circulates.
Measurement
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A pulse oximetry machine measures oxygen saturation. A small device is placed on a person's finger or toenail and two forms of light are transmitted through the skin. The machine will immediately read the percentage blood saturated with oxygen. Arterial blood gases, ABG, are determined when a portion of blood is removed from an artery and examined for oxygen levels
Low Levels
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Respiratory distress including shortness of breath, discoloration of skin and fatigue are symptoms of decreased oxygen in the body. Severe depletion of oxygen can cause one to lose consciousness or even die.
Maintaining Oxygen
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Long- and short-term conditions require oxygen therapy. Traumatic injury such as cardiac arrest and bodily injury require high doses of oxygen flow until the body's vital signs are stable. Long-term use of oxygen may be required for someone with COPD and other lung disorders.
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