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COVID-19 Second Wave: How you can improve oxygen levels at home

Doctors are advocating proning exercises to improve oxygen levels in coronavirus patients, both in hospital and in home isolation. Proning is a medically approved position of human body, which is also being promoted by the government.

COVID-19 Second Wave: How you can improve oxygen levels at home
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SHARES

For patients who are isolated at home, it is important to stay in a well-ventilated room and practice proning when there is a mild problem in breathing and oxygen levels have dropped below 94, but not beyond 90-92.

Doctors are advocating proning exercises to improve oxygen levels in coronavirus patients, both in hospital and in home isolation. Proning is a medically approved position of the human body, which is also being promoted by the government. While doing this exercise, patients lie on their abdomen to boost the levels of oxygen.

Dr Sanjay Shah Consultant, General Physician of Fortis Hospital Mulund, has explained ways to improve oxygen levels at home and hospital for coronavirus patients.

Ways to improve Oxygen Levels for COVID-19 patients:

Oxygen delivery can be increased by using prone positioning. Physical position affects the distribution and volume of air in the Lungs and can have direct effects on the expansion or collapse of the delicate alveoli that permit the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

It involves turning a patient with precise, safe motions, from their back onto their abdomen so that the individual is lying face down to improve breathing and oxygen flow in the body.

Having said that, getting the right advice on how proning can be complemented with oxygen supply is significant. Talk to your doctor today to understand when to opt for oxygen support at home, if your patient is eligible for oxygen support at home, and how it can be best utilized.

Moreover, the Health Ministry suggests that deep breathing, ample access to fresh air, yogic pranayama, eating iron-rich foods, staying hydrated and light exercises also help in improving the oxygen level of patients in home isolation.

According to experts, proning needs just 4-5 pillows. One pillow is kept below the neck, one or two pillows below the chest through upper thighs, and two pillows are placed below the shins. For proning, a patient should lie on their belly, and alternately to the right, left side. However, experts suggest that for best results, at least half an hour should be spent in each proned position.

Disclaimer: This is a method used to increase the oxygen level of people in case of home isolation. Please consult your doctor before taking this up. Also, in case your or any of your family member's oxygen is falling below 89, please take medical help as soon as possible. Be Safe. Be Healthy. 

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