Use a Fingertip Oximeter to Track Your Oxygen Saturation at Home

It can be difficult to judge how sick you or your loved ones actually are during this COVID-19 pandemic.  The sickest people should be seen by their medical provider.  But making an objective determination of a worsening condition can be hard.

A small, simple-to-use pulse oximeter that clips on your finger is a perfect way to monitor your blood oxygenation level.  The oximeter uses light to determine how much of the total hemoglobin in your blood is carrying oxygen.  The average oxygenation for healthy persons is 95-100%.

This determination can be done as frequently as necessary, especially if coughing or physical activity has left you short of breath.  This fingertip oxygen saturation monitor will quickly tell you if there are any oxygenation drops or changes that need to be investigated.  

Pulse oximeters can detect low oxygen levels earlier than using your eyes to see cyanosis or paleness.  Your levels can be tracked and reported to your health care provider as objective data that is important to know in case emergency care or hospitalization is recommended.

For children or adults with underlying conditions like asthma or COPD, the fingertip oximeter can measure the effectiveness of breathing treatments and medications.  You can simply measure the blood oxygenation before your treatment and again after the treatment.  This can be especially helpful in children who may not be able to tell you how they feel.

Having an inexpensive and accurate fingertip oximeter in your home is a perfect way to stay on top of the health and respiratory needs of everyone in your household.