What is safe, and what is low?

A healthy blood oxygen level varies between 75 and 100 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

When arterial blood gas (ABG) test results reveal an oxygen level below 60 mm Hg, the medical community considers it low. In some cases, people with these results may require oxygen supplementation.

A blood oxygen level that is too low compared with the average level of a healthy person can be a sign of a condition known as hypoxemia. This develops when the body has difficulty delivering oxygen to all of its cells, tissues, and organs.

Oxygen saturation refers to the percentage of oxygen in a person’s blood. Medical professionals often use a device called a pulse oximeter for either a quick test or continuous monitoring. The device can attach to the person’s fingertip.

A healthy oxygen saturation level ranges between 95% and 100%. If a person’s levels drop below this range, they may experience symptoms associated with a lack of oxygen, such as trouble breathing and confusion.

An ABG test is a common way to monitor blood oxygen levels. This test involves taking a blood sample from an artery, usually in the wrist. This procedure is very accurate, but it can be a little painful.

Doctors carry out ABG tests in a hospital. However, people can test themselves at home using a small device known as a pulse oximeter. A person cannot perform an ABG test at home.

A pulse oximeter is a small clip that often attaches to a finger, although it will also work on an ear or a toe. It measures blood oxygen indirectly by light absorption through a person’s pulse.

Although the pulse oximeter test is easier, quicker, and less painful than the ABG test, it is not as accurate. Several factors can interfere with the results, including:

• dirty fingers
• bright lights
• darker skin tones
• nail polish
• poor circulation to the extremities

Learn how to choose the best pulse oximeter to purchase.

The medical term for low blood oxygen is hypoxemia. It may happen due to:

• insufficient oxygen in the air
• inability of the lungs to inhale and send oxygen to all cells and tissues
• inability of the bloodstream to circulate to the lungs, collect oxygen, and transport it around the body

Conditions that can lead to hypoxemia

Several medical conditions and situations can contribute to the above factors, including:

People should contact a doctor if they:

• experience severe and sudden shortness of breath
• experience shortness of breath when at rest
• have severe shortness of breath that worsens during exercise or physical activity
• wake suddenly with shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
• are at high altitude and experience severe shortness of breath with a cough, rapid heartbeat, and fluid retention

The treatment options for low blood oxygen levels include supplemental oxygen. Doctors can administer oxygen therapy in an office, or they can prescribe or recommend the use of home oxygen therapy (HOT).

A range of devices is available for delivering and monitoring HOT, but some require a prescription.

People can make lifestyle adjustments to reduce the symptoms of low oxygen levels, as well as improve their general health and quality of life. Changes that will likely be beneficial include:

• quitting smoking
• avoiding secondhand smoke
• eating a nutritious diet containing plenty of fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and vegetables
• exercising regularly

Learn more about following a well-balanced diet.

Many conditions can cause low blood oxygen levels. Treating the underlying condition responsible will generally improve blood oxygen levels.

People living with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, and those who catch COVID-19 may need regular blood oxygen monitoring.

People with low blood oxygen can also make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting their dietary and exercise habits. In conjunction with oxygen therapy, these changes could help a person raise their oxygen saturation levels.

A person’s blood oxygen level refers to the amount of oxygen circulating in their blood. A person can measure blood oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter. On a pulse oximeter, doctors consider levels under 95% to be low.

Several conditions can cause low blood oxygen levels, including asthma, anemia, and COVID-19.

The treatment will often involve addressing the underlying cause, but doctors may sometimes also recommend oxygen therapy or lifestyle modifications.

Read the article in Spanish.