How to check oxygen level at home without oximeter

If you are wondering about how to check oxygen level at home without oximeter. You've come to the right place. During the covid 19 pandemic, it was advised by the doctors to monitor our oxygen levels at home. I did not waste money on an expensive machine. Rather, I learned how to check oxygen level without oximeter. Read my answer to know more :

• Apps 

The latest technology has resulted in companies creating apps that can track your oxygen levels. You can check out HemoSpO2 or CarePlix, these are apps that allow you to track your oxygen levels and pulse rate. The apps track oxygen saturation levels in the blood and pulse rate by one simple step. You are supposed to place your index finger on the phone’s flashlight. The app will do the rest. Once your pulse rate and oxygen level are measured, they will be displayed on the phone screen.

• Tracking respiratory rate :

Another method of monitoring your oxygen at home is by tracking your respiratory rate. This is a simple, non-intrusive method that can be done easily when it comes to how to measure oxygen level without oximeter. You are supposed to count the number of breaths you are taking in a minute. To do this, place your hand on your chest and count the number of times you breathe. If your respiratory rate is more than 30, you might have a low oxygen level.

• Tracking symptoms

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Check oxygen level without oximeter by tracking your symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms ( headache, nausea, uneven breathing, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, feeling faint, etc). There are high chances your oxygen level is low.

Overall, I would recommend you continue to monitor your health at home with the help of this answer. I am ending my answer to how to check oxygen level at home without oximeter.

It's logical to believe that the emerging coronavirus outbreak has impacted our shopping habits as well as the products we buy. There was a huge shortage of tissue paper, disinfecting wipes, thermometers and oximeters especially when the second wave hit us. We brought 2 oximeters with us back home because we had to keep a track of our oxygen levels even after we tested negative. During the COVID treatment we asked the doctor how to measure oxygen level and what is the normal oxygen level in human body. Here’s what he shared.

Normal oxygen level in human body:

A normal pulse oximeter measurement for oxygen saturation level is between 95 and 100 percent for most persons. Your usual oxygen saturation level may be lower if you have a lung condition like COPD or pneumonia. If you reside in a high-altitude environment, your oxygen saturation levels may be decreased as well.

How to measure oxygen levels?

If you want to know how to check oxygen level without an oximeter, you can take reference to Kamal’s answer. He listed down some of the best methods to check oxygen levels.

If you don't have access to a pulse oximeter, you can understand how to recognise the signs and symptoms of low oxygen levels. If you use oxygen, it's helpful to learn these early symptoms yourself. But you'll also wish your family or someone who stays with you to be familiar with them in emergency situations.

Symptoms of low oxygen level:

A faster heart rate and a fast breathing rate are two popular indications of a low oxygen level. 60-100 beats per minute is a normal heart rate, and 12–20 breaths per minute is a typical breathing rate. Your body responds to low oxygen levels by boosting your heart rate and speeding up your breathing rate.

Lastly, cyanosis, or a bluish colour change on your lips, nose, or fingertips, is an indication of low oxygen levels. When your body lacks oxygen, the blood cells in your bloodstream turn a dark blue colour, which can be seen on the outside of your skin if the condition is severe. Cyanosis is a late symptom of low oxygen levels and should be treated as a medical emergency. If you observe a bluish colour on your skin, call 911 right away.

Now you are aware of the normal oxygen level in a human body.

Since COVID cases are again rising, be aware of how to check oxygen level without pulse oximeter. I hope you never face hypoxemia, but it is better to know your oxygen level so that you can rush to a hospital during an emergency. I had researched on how to measure oxygen levels at home in 2020 so let me share those methods with you. If you have more suggestions, please share them with us so that everyone can get help.

How to measure your oxygen level without oximeter?

You can suffer from hypoxemia without even knowing it. If you ever face symptoms like-

• Headache

• Difficulty in breathing

• Coughing

• wheezing

• Rapid heart rate

• Bluish skin and more, seek a doctor’s advice. 

Here is a way to check whether your oxygen level is dropping or not. 

• Keep your palm on your chest

• Measure your respiratory rate for 1 minute

• If the rate is less than 24 per minute you are okay

• If there are 30 breaths per minute, your oxygen level is low.

I believe this is the simplest way to learn how to know oxygen level is low without oximeter.

You can refer to Kamal Ji’s answer to learn about more methods. Smartphones are now able to detect your oxygen level, but I fear it might not be accurate sometimes. I will suggest you seek a doctor’s aid whenever you feel an oxygen crisis. 

I hope these answers have helped you know how to check oxygen level without pulse oximeter.

Everyone knows that our lungs fill with oxygen as we breathe in, and then red blood cells transfer that oxygen throughout the rest of our bodies. My grandfather suddenly experienced breathing problems during 2nd wave of COVID at nighttime. I then attempted to obtain an oximeter from the nearby hospital but was unsuccessful. I thus asked a doctor who was available how to check oxygen levels at home without oximeter, and he gave me the simplest method to do so.

How to check your oxygen level at home without pulse oximeter?

Our bodies require a lot of oxygen for survival, and healthy individuals constantly have an oxygen saturation level of at least 95%. Thankfully, there are other ways to check oxygen levels at home without using an oximeter. Kamal H, Aadar Shukla, and Silvia have already provided multiple techniques. 

Moreover, I have mentioned the easiest way that I followed to check my grandpa’s oxygen level:

• By putting two fingers on wrist or neck, monitor the pulse every minute.

• Count the beats carefully.

• By keeping track of how many breaths are taken during a minute, you can track your breathing. 

• Further medical evaluation is indicated if these measurements considerably vary from the usual ranges (12 to 18 breaths per minute) since they may indicate low oxygen levels.

Alternatively, there are smartphone apps available like Heart Rate Montior - Pulse app that helps to get the oxygen level. In this app, you just need to put your finger at the back side of camera. I hope this answers your query on how can I check my oxygen level at home.