Many of you still may not realise how crucial it is to monitor the oxygen saturation levels in the bloodstream. A low SpO2 level with values under 90 can be a warning sign of an underlying medical condition. For instance, it may be an early-stage signal for several respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, including asthma, heart failure, COPD, and sleep apnoea. Hence, it will be critical to first understand what SpO2 is, why it is important, and how to keep a track of it.
However, fret not! Noise has got you covered.
With ColorFit Pulse Grand and other amazing smart watches from Noise, it has become much easier to keep an eye on SpO2 levels at any time. These products are enabled with the technology to track oxygen saturation levels and thus help the users make informed decisions about their health.
Moreover, tracking SpO2 can be beneficial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to help them identify overtraining and fatigue. By turning on the feature, individuals can get ahead of their competitors’ training levels and simultaneously ensure they are not pushing themselves too hard.
In addition to detecting the normal levels of SpO2, smart watches are now equipped with a wide range of sensors that track activity levels and sleep patterns. They assist you in upkeeping a healthy lifestyle and suggest necessary changes from time to time. Also, a smartwatch with SpO2 provides users with personalised insights and recommendations.
Certain Noise smart watches even feature a heart rate monitor. These devices equipped with wrist scanners swiftly track changes in oxygen saturation levels and alert users if the level drops too low. This is especially useful for those who are engaged in physical activities, as they are more likely to experience drops in oxygen levels. The watch also alerts users if their heart rate is too high, allowing them to take the necessary precautions to maintain their health.
SpO2 is a measurement of the proportion of oxygen-carrying haemoglobin to non-oxygen-carrying haemoglobin in the blood. The SpO2 normal range hovers between 95% and 100%. One can easily find the precise value in a variety of ways. The most typical method is to employ a pulse oximeter. But the problem with it is that you have to remember to carry it whenever you head outdoors. Thus a better and more stylish solution could be wearing a smartwatch that has the same capabilities.
Usually, these devices make use of two LEDs, producing infrared light via a transparent area on the back of the watch. Venous vessels, pigmentation, bones, and other human body parts typically absorb a consistent quantity of light throughout the exposure period. Normally, when blood volume rises and falls during systole and diastole, the arteriolar bed pulsates and absorbs varying quantities of light.
In this regard, the patterns of absorption for oxy-haemoglobin and its deoxygenated variant are very different. Thus, an oxygen saturation reading is produced by converting the ratio of light absorption by the blood.
Why Is Blood Oxygen Level Test Recommended by Doctors?
Under multiple circumstances your healthcare provider may instruct you to undergo a SpO2 test before offering further medical guidance. For instance, here are a few cases where a blood oxygen level test is most likely to follow:
.The doctor is attempting to figure out whether the patient is having any breathing issues; thus often newborns require taking this test
.When a subject is diagnosed with symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
in case the patience had previously suffered a serious neck injury causing difficulty in breathing
.If a person is suffering from multiple episodes of nausea or vomiting
.Also, cases of drug abuse may lead to health complications whose treatment require SpO2 testing
Though nowadays everybody knows how to measure SpO2, still under these critical moments you should always rely on a respiratory therapist instead of executing the necessary processes yourself.
How the Blood Oxygen Level Test Conducted?
Blood is typically drawn from an artery in your wrist by a respiratory therapist for arterial blood gas tests that reveal blood oxygen levels. After that, the sample is either processed by the respiratory care practitioner himself or quickly sent to a lab where it is processed by medical laboratory scientists.
Before drawing blood from an artery in your wrist, a respiratory therapist may conduct a blood circulation test known as an Allen test. This procedure requires you to raise your hand while clenching it. Next, for a few seconds, your healthcare expert will apply pressure to the arteries in your wrist. This quick examination confirms that the two arteries in your wrist are sound and functioning.
Before 20 minutes of the blood draw, in case you are receiving supplemental oxygen therapy, your provider could switch off your oxygen. Although, your physician may consider not doing this test if you need supplemental oxygen to breathe.
Under normal circumstances a pulse oximeter may be used by any medical professional to measure your blood's oxygen saturation level. This device can also be kept at home to secure an accurate measurement at any time.
If you are wondering what SpO2 is, it refers to a measurement of the amount of oxygen in your blood relative to the maximum oxygen volume that human blood is capable of transporting.
Currently, smartwatches are one of the most useful smart gadgets to be owned. These tech pieces stand out to be great companions in many ways. However, with the wide range of options available, choosing the best one has never been simple. To make your selection easier, here are a few smartwatches that feature a SpO2 monitor from Noise.
The first one on the list is NoiseFit Halo Smartwatch, A clear cut favourite for those who prefer wearing a versatile round dial smart watch across multiple occasions. Also, you may look at the features of ColorFit Pulse Go Buzz smartwatch or the ColorFit Pro 2, two amazing Noise smartwatches having precise SpO2 monitoring capabilities. Before using them, you will need to download the NoiseFit app and then follow the instructions to activate your smartwatch.
Apart from functioning as an oximeter these smartwatches also come with a heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope. Most importantly, Noise merchandises comply with IP68 requirements for water and dust resistance and allow you to handle calls, view notifications, adjust music playing, and do other things on the go.
FAQs
Q) How to naturally increase blood oxygen levels?
You may improve your blood oxygen levels gradually in a number of ways. For instance, you can try any of the following two helpful breathing techniques: pursed lip breathing and belly breathing.
In the first technique, you need to breathe in slowly through your nose, followed by a long, slow breath out through your pursed lips.
For the second method it is suggested to begin by taking a few deep breaths through your nose. Use your hand to feel the air swelling up in your belly. After that, ensure exhaling through your lips two to three times for as long as you inhale.
Q) What does low SpO2 in blood mean?
Low SpO2 refers to the situation where your blood contains less oxygen, particularly in the arteries. Hypoxemia can cause a variety of symptoms including shortness of breath. Thus, it is an early indication of a respiratory or circulation issue.
Q) How are patients suffering from low SpO2 medically assisted?
An ongoing danger of hypoxemia is generally treated with an external oxygen supply. While oxygen delivery systems differ, patients may expect to get machines that send more oxygen through a breathing mask or tiny tube (cannula). They can even get oxygen at home and on the go with portable equipments.
Q) How reliable are the SpO2 sensors employed in a smartwatch?
These days the majority of contemporary smartwatches and fitness trackers launched by premium brands like Noise function with advanced sensors and algorithms. Moreover, they work similarly to an oximeter and are more easily available in the market.
Q) What is the normal level of SpO2 for a 70-year-old person?
Both adults and children are deemed to have oxygen saturation levels between 95 and 100% (below 95% is considered abnormal). However, oxygen levels in those over 70 years old may be closer to 95%.
Q) Does having low blood oxygen indicate COVID-19?
People with coronavirus infection have had a wide variety of symptoms, from little discomfort to serious illness. Several COVID-19 patients, but not all, experienced low blood oxygen levels. Thus, if you also have additional related symptoms but a normal blood oxygen level, you may still have COVID-19. Vice versa, you may not have COVID-19 and yet still develop hypoxemia. Being tested is the only surefire method to determine if you have COVID-19.
Q) Does breathing difficulty or low oxygen saturation levels indicate an underlying lung disease?
Difficulty in breathing may indicate pulmonary fibrosis if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as a dry cough, fatigue, weight loss, and chest pain. Additional signs and symptoms of scarred lungs may include shortness of breath, even with minimal activity; a crackling sound when inhaling; clubbing of the fingers or toes; and swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away.
Q) What are the limits of wearable SpO2 sensors?
There are many reasons why manufacturers of wearables have started using SpO2 sensors in their products. Most people now consider it to be a factor in assessing how well they sleep. Many reputed brands have included SpO2 sensors as a potential means of detecting disorders like sleep apnoea.
Yet, wristwatch SpO2 functions are only intended for general wellness, whereas fingertip pulse oximeters are a Class II medical equipment. Wearables often do not need CDSCO approval as a result.