In both adults and children, the normal oxygen saturation by age ranges from 95% to 100%; if it is between 80% and 85%, it is abnormal. As is generally known, a healthy body requires a balance of oxygen, and organ damage is possible if the oxygen saturation level falls too low. Let’s learn more about Normal Oxygen Saturation By Age in this article.
To regulate normal body functions, the red blood cells present in your body take most of the oxygen and distribute it evenly throughout your system. If you have low Oxygen Saturation, your body won’t be able to function properly therefore you must know about its symptoms and whenever you feel one, you can seek medical attention immediately.
What is the Normal Oxygen Saturation By Age?
As we have mentioned that the Normal Oxygen Saturation By Age (both in adults and children) is from 95% to 100%. The oxygen saturation levels of people who are too old (above 70 years of age) are normally 95% which is not that bad but it shouldn’t fall more otherwise there will be a serious problem.
There are many causes of having low Oxygen Saturation levels in old people, this condition is called Hypoxia. Some of the common causes include Heart problems, Anemia, Cyanide poisoning, Severe asthma attack, Lung damage due to trauma, High altitude, Sleep apnea, Lung diseases including bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, COPD, pulmonary edema, etc.
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If someone is experiencing any of these conditions, they should see a doctor asap. The doctors will try to balance the Oxygen Saturation levels by providing you with oxygen through a nasal cannula or a mask. If you are experiencing breathing difficulty, you might be given Asthma medications or an inhaler.
Your doctor might prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation or Antibiotics for any underlying infection. When the normal oxygen saturation by age child or adult gets low, it usually gets under control by the given techniques but if the condition is quite serious, you may be given Oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber or Mechanical ventilation (intubation).
How to check Oxygen Saturation levels?
There are many ways your doctor can use to check your oxygen saturation level. The most common one is by using Oximeter, which is a small device that after adjusting on your finger produces light. By the amount of light absorbed by the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the red blood cells, the oximeter shows your Oxygen Saturation level immediately.
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Another technique used to test Normal Oxygen Saturation By Age is the Arterial blood gas study in which your blood is taken from an artery by syringe and then analyzed by machine to measure the amount of oxygen gas dissolved in the blood. The arterial oxygen pressure (paO2) that results from this is typically between 80 and 100 mm Hg.
Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is also used to check Oxygen Saturation level, you will be asked for your medical history including physical examinations and other tests of pulmonary function. The diagnosis of your lung disease help in knowing the Oxygen Saturation levels and the cause if you are experiencing low oxygen saturation levels.
What you can do to maintain normal Oxygen Saturation levels?
If you know that your Oxygen Saturation level often gets low then it’s time to change your lifestyle. There are a few things that you can add to your daily routine to overcome this issue, read them below:
- Do exercise on daily basis.
- If you are a regular smoker, then quit this habit right away.
- You add deep inhaling exercises to your routine.
- Drink more water.
- Buy an oximeter and check your blood oxygen on daily basis.
- Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Normal oxygen saturation by age while sleeping:
When we sleep, the Normal oxygen saturation by age is usually low. But if your normal blood oxygen is 94% and it falls below 89% when you sleep then you should go to the doctor, he will provide you with the solution after testing your Normal oxygen saturation by age while sleeping.
You should not delay your checkup because low oxygen levels can affect your body organs including the heart, brain, and kidney. However, you can also use supplemental oxygen to maintain Normal oxygen saturation by age while sleeping. You will have quality sleep without any symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and depression.
Eventually, you will wake up fresh and in a good mood and you will be able to do your daily life activities more effectively. However, before taking supplemental oxygen, go to the doctor and get your tests done because sometimes there could be other reasons for shortness of breath.
Is it Ok to use supplemental oxygen?
Yes, it is ok to use supplemental oxygen as per your doctor’s instructions but if you feel any changes like increased sleep or headaches then you might be taking too much of it. Make sure to check the settings and it should be below 4 liters per minute, otherwise, you might experience dryness and bleeding of the lining of the nose.
It is also important that your oxygen saturation should be measured during sleep, your doctor or therapist will measure the amount of oxygen to know if you are taking it in the right amount. He will also observe the oxygen saturation levels while you are walking and at rest. If it is between 90-100 then it is ok otherwise, you should consult your provider.
Factors on which normal oxygen saturation by age depends:
The normal oxygen saturation by age child and adult depends on a person’s overall health. Read the factors below:
- Smokers may experience abnormal oxygen saturation levels, and results from oximeters may occasionally be abnormal. Because an oximeter confuses carbon dioxide with oxygen, it is particularly challenging to determine the amount of oxygen in a smoker’s blood.
- People with lung diseases or heart diseases usually have relatively low oxygen saturation levels. The normal oxygen saturation by age also gets low in people who have other conditions like emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sleep apnea.
- It has also been seen that oxygen saturation levels are usually low when the person is talking.
- The Oxygen saturation level is also usually low in people with anemia because the blood is out of an adequate amount of hemoglobin to carry oxygen molecules
- The normal oxygen saturation by age also depends on other factors including hypothermia, decreased peripheral perfusion, and cold extremities.
Wrapping Up:
We hope now you know the Normal Oxygen Saturation By Age in detail, we have added all the factors that depend on it and what you can do to overcome low levels of blood oxygen. Our oxygen saturation levels are usually low when we sleep but in some people, it can get dangerously low so it is important to consult your doctor immediately if you are feeling any of the symptoms we mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is normal oxygen saturation by age?
The normal oxygen saturation by age is between 95 to 100 percent. It is true for both adults and children but people who are above 70 years old may have relatively low oxygen levels.
Is 92 a low oxygen level?
The normal oxygen saturation is between 95 to 100 percent, if you have 92%, it is low but not dangerous, however, you should monitor frequently so that it does not drop more.
What is a dangerously low oxygen level?
When your body is not getting enough oxygen, the reading could drop below 92% which is quite dangerous. It is important to go to the doctor immediately if it is reaching 88%.
