Question

Should you be checking your own oxygen levels if you have coronavirus symptoms? Explain. Give further details about this timely issue.

Answer 1

One of the symptoms of corona virus is difficulty in breathing. Difficultly in breathing is secondary to pulmonary complications which is primarily pneumonia. Pneumonia is a condition wherein there is inflammation the airways resulting in increased mucus production. This results in decreased exchange of gases causing breathing difficulty and reduced oxygen saturation in the blood.

Most of the patients with corona virus have recovered with mild symptoms however, a few percentage who have developed major symptoms like breathing difficulty including hypoxiemia. They need continuous monitoring of SPO² levels . Also, to prevent complications it is better to monitor SPO2 levels in the house specially in the risk group which includes children and old age . If the levels are below 90% , the person needs to be hospitalized and oxygen therapy has to be given. Timely management helps in preventing many complications and hence SPO² monitoring is good if symptoms are more than mild, and in the risk group.

Thank you.