How to Increase Your Blood Oxygen Level?

How Is Blood Oxygen Level Measured?

Before learning how to increase blood oxygen levels, it's important to understand the method through which it's measured. Your blood oxygen levels indicate how much oxygen your red blood cells are carrying, which is a sign of how well your lungs, blood, and heart are working together to deliver oxygen.

Here are two common ways:

• Pulse Oximeter:

This is a small and painless device that is clipped to your finger. It uses light to measure your blood oxygen saturation level (SpO2). (Normal SpO2 is between 95% and 100%.)

• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test:

This is a detailed test done in a clinic or a hospital. In this test, blood is taken from an artery to measure oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels.

What Are Typical Levels of Blood Oxygen?

The blood oxygen level shows you how much oxygen is being carried by red blood cells in your body. There is a healthy range that your body should stay in, such as

• 95% to 100%:

It is the typical range for most healthy individuals.

• 90% to 94%:

It is slightly lower than normal. It may not cause symptoms, but it could be an early signal of concern (especially if it continues to fall within this range).

• Below 90%:

This is considered a low reading, and you should seek medical attention.

Quick access to care is crucial in such cases, and having cashless health insurance can ease the treatment process without financial delays.

Ways to Increase Your Blood Oxygen Level Naturally

Some of the helpful tips include:

• Breathing Exercises:

Practice controlled breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing, to help open up your lungs and draw in more oxygen. Try to do a few minutes of deep, slow breathing every day.

• Avoid Smoking:

Quit active or passive smoking, as it damages your lungs and makes it hard for oxygen to pass into your blood smoothly.

• Open Windows:

Good airflow and natural ventilation improve air quality, which helps your lungs inhale more oxygen-rich air.

• Try Sleeping on Your Side or Stomach:

If you experience breathing issues while lying flat, consider changing your sleeping position. This can ease your airflow and improve oxygen levels.

• Get Regular Physical Activity:

Practice moderate exercise like brisk walking, cycling, yoga, etc., to increase your lung capacity and oxygen intake over time.

How Accurate Are Pulse Oximeters?

A pulse oximeter is a popular tool to check blood oxygen levels at home, especially after COVID-19. But how accurate are they?

When used correctly, pulse oximeters are generally accurate and reflect blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) within 2% of the actual arterial oxygen levels (SaO2).

But some other factors can affect their accuracy, like:

• Low blood pressure

• Dark nail polish or artificial nails

• Movement while measuring

• Skin pigmentation

• Incorrect placement or loose fit

What If My Blood Oxygen Level Is Too Low?

If your blood oxygen levels are lower than 90%, then it may be a sign of hypoxaemia. In this condition, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, which leads to confusion, fatigue, shortness of breath, and other severe issues like organ damage. Timely medical care is crucial in such cases, and having health insurance can ensure you get the necessary treatment without delay.

If your blood oxygen level is too low, you must:

• Consult a doctor if it remains consistently low.

• Do tests recommended by the doctor to determine the cause, like asthma, anaemia, pneumonia, or a heart or lung condition.

• Monitor your oxygen levels regularly.

In extreme cases, doctors may also recommend oxygen supplements to help you maintain safe oxygen levels.

Conclusion

Keeping your blood oxygen levels in a healthy range is important for you to maintain energy, focus, and overall health. While an occasional blood oxygen drop may not always be serious, consistently low levels should never be ignored. With a few simple lifestyle changes, you can naturally support better oxygen flow.

While managing a health condition, it is also important to review your health insurance plan. A suitable plan can ease the burden of unexpected medical expenses and ensure that you receive treatment whenever needed. Make sure to always consult a doctor for proper guidance on any health-related decisions.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Sources: webmd.com, medicinenet.com, fda.gov

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on July 28, 2025