As the coronavirus spreads unabated throughout the globe and infects all in its path, all we can do is stay indoors, stay safe, cover-up and sanitize. However, for those suffering from COPD or other respiratory disorders, these are trying times. The coronavirus primarily affects the respiratory system, causing acute respiratory distress in severe cases. For those suffering from COPD, this infection can quickly escalate to life-threatening situations as their SpO2 or oxygen saturation levels drop dangerously low due to the irritated and inflamed airways and alveoli.
What is SpO2? Why is it important for COPD patients?
SpO2 is the measure of oxygen saturation in your body. This is essentially a ratio of the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the blood relative to the amount of hemoglobin not carrying oxygen. Our bodies need oxygen to stay healthy and perform optimally. Without adequate oxygen in our body, we feel lethargic and continued oxygen deprivation can lead to life-threatening conditions such as Hypoxemia (Low oxygen levels in the blood). If left unchecked, this can spread to the tissue level and develop life-threatening conditions such as hypoxia. Without immediate medical intervention and supplemental oxygen, hypoxemia can quickly turn into hypoxia which can lead to death.
How can I measure my blood oxygen levels?
Blood oxygen levels can easily be measured using a small device called a Pulse Oximeter. A pulse oximeter is a small clip-like device that can painlessly and quickly measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. All you need to do is place the clip on your fingernail and wait until the device displays your blood oxygen level. Usually, this takes less than a minute and is completely painless.
The importance of physical activity during the lockdown
The coronavirus pandemic has forced most of us to stay indoors at all times. This has resulted in many of us opting for comfort foods and couch surfing. Long periods of inactivity or reduced physical activity can lead to health issues such as obesity, which is a major causal factor for life-threatening conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Physical activity helps us keep our heart working ship-shape and helps us prevent obesity and other conditions that being overweight can bring our way. Sufferers of COPD already have compromised respiratory and immune systems and adding co-morbidities can make us even more susceptible to contracting highly infectious diseases such as the coronavirus.
How do SpO2 levels impact COPD patients during physical activity?
Physical activity takes a toll on our bodies by increasing the amounts of oxygen that we use up. As we exercise, run or walk, we use more energy and in effect, utilize more oxygen than we normally do. These diminished oxygen levels are replaced by our body by increasing our respiratory rate. We take deeper, faster breaths to get in as much oxygen as possible. For normal individuals, oxygen levels can get back to normal within minutes. However, for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as COPD, this can take a long time, or they might even need supplementary oxygen to normalize these levels.
How can COPD patients maintain healthy SpO2 levels while exercising?
COPD patients rely on devices known as oxygen concentrators to maintain their SpO2 levels. Portable oxygen concentrator such as the Inogen One G5 provide a flow of pure oxygen to the user that is extracted from the ambient air. As these devices are portable and battery-powered, they can be used during the light exercise that COPD patients are allowed to do without compromising their health. These devices also eliminate the need to lug heavy oxygen cylinders around.
How can the Inogen One G5 help COPD patients to maintain optimal SpO2 levels?
The Inogen G5 is a revolutionary device that was built from the ground up to help COPD patients lead near-normal lives. As physical activity drastically increases the amount of oxygen we need, the Inogen One G5 gracefully copes up with this increased demand with its high-flow settings, helping to maintain optimal oxygen levels at all times. Weighing 4.7 pounds, the Inogen One G5 is extremely lightweight and can last you through many hour-long walks with its 13-hour battery life.
With its simple and easy to use controls, the Inogen one g5 portable oxygen concentrator is senior-friendly and is the perfect solution for your oxygen needs when on the go. Engineered with 24×7 operation in mind, the Inogen G5 is rugged, reliable and will be your companion for many years. Coupled with Inogen’s 3-year warranty, you can truly breathe easy while exercising.
Sanrai is the authorized retail partner for Inogen in India and is providing sales, support, and warranty services for the Inogen range of devices. An experienced and innovative global medical products distributor with a presence in 46 countries, Sanrai’s expertise in devices used for the management of COPD set it apart from the competition with knowledgeable sales personnel and quality after-sales service. Contact Sanrai for your portable oxygen concentrator needs today!
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