Blood Oxygen Level: What It Is & How To Increase It (2024)

What does blood oxygen level mean?

Your blood oxygen level (blood oxygen saturation) is the amount of oxygen you have circulating in your blood.

Oxygen is essential to life, and our bodies need a certain amount of oxygen to function properly. Oxygen enters your body through your nose or mouth when you breathe (inhale) and passes through your lungs into your bloodstream. Once in your bloodstream, the oxygen then goes to cells all over your body. All of your cells need oxygen to create energy efficiently, and your body needs energy to fulfill all of its processes, such as digestion and even thinking.

Once your cells use oxygen, they create carbon dioxide. Your bloodstream then carries the carbon dioxide back to your lungs, and you breathe it out (exhale it) through your mouth or nose.

Your body tightly regulates the amount of oxygen saturation in your blood, because low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) can lead to many serious conditions and damage to individual organ systems, especially your brain and heart. Low blood oxygen levels indicate that your lungs and/or circulatory system may not be working as they should.

What is a blood oxygen level test?

There are two main ways to measure or test blood oxygen levels: through a blood draw test and through pulse oximetry (using an oximeter). A blood draw test provides much more information about your oxygen levels than an oximeter does.

Oxygen level blood draw test

Healthcare providers can measure your blood oxygen level as part of a larger test known as an arterial blood gas (ABG) test. An ABG test measures the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. The test also checks the balance of acids and bases, known as the pH balance, in your blood. Having too much or too little acid in your blood can be harmful to your health.

Pulse oximetry

A pulse oximeter can also measure blood oxygen saturation levels through a small clip that’s usually placed on your finger or toe. An oximeter reading only indicates what percentage of your blood is saturated with oxygen, known as the SpO2 level, as well as your heart rate. It’s a quick and harmless way to check if someone’s blood oxygen level is too low.

Healthcare providers use pulse oximeters frequently in hospitals. You can also use a pulse oximeter at home — you can usually buy one from a pharmacy or certain stores and websites.

Why do I need to have my blood oxygen level tested?

Your healthcare provider may have you undergo a blood oxygen level test if you’re experiencing any of the following acute (sudden and serious) conditions:

• If you’re having trouble breathing. (A newborn baby may also need a blood oxygen test if they are having trouble breathing).
• If you’ve recently injured your head or neck, which can affect your breathing.
• If you have coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
• If you have pneumonia.
• If you have carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If you have a smoke inhalation injury.
• If you’ve had multiple episodes of nausea and/or vomiting.
• If you’ve had a drug overdose.

Your provider may also perform a blood oxygen test if you have any of the following lung conditions to make sure your treatment is working properly:

• Asthma.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Cystic fibrosis.
• Heart disease.

If you’re receiving oxygen therapy while in a hospital, your provider will likely monitor your blood oxygen level to make sure you are getting the right amount of oxygen.

How can I increase my blood oxygen level?

There are some ways to naturally increase the amount of oxygen in your blood, including:

• Breathing in fresh air: Opening your windows or going outside for a walk can increase the amount of oxygen that your body brings in, which increases your overall blood oxygen level.
• Quitting smoking: Only two to three weeks after you quit smoking, your circulation will likely improve significantly. After one to nine months, your shortness of breath decreases. Both of these aspects contribute to your body’s ability to take in more oxygen.
• Practicing breathing exercises: Simple breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing and deep belly breathing can open your airways and increase the amount of oxygen in your blood.

You can use a pulse oximeter at home to check your blood oxygen level and see if these natural ways to increase your oxygen intake work for you.

However, it’s important to note that if you have an underlying condition, especially a severe illness such as pneumonia or carbon monoxide poisoning, these natural remedies may not be enough to increase your blood oxygen to an acceptable level.

If you experience signs of hypoxemia, get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.