7+ Ways to Increase Your Oxygen Level At Home

7+ Ways to Increase Your Oxygen Level At Home

Many people these days are living with low blood oxygen saturation levels, including:

• Those living at higher altitudes,
• Individuals with chronic illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and
• People who are sick with viral diseases such as COVID-19.

For these groups, learning how to increase the blood oxygen level at home can make a world of difference.

How can I increase my oxygen level at home?

Learning how to improve your oxygen level at home can help alleviate shortness of breath and other similar issues. There are several simple things you can do to help increase your oxygen level at home.

• Get some fresh air. Open the windows in your home to introduce more oxygen to your space.
• Exercise outdoors. A short walk in mild weather can help increase your oxygen levels by accelerating your breathing and exercising your lungs.
• Stand up or sit down. Lying down puts pressure on your lungs and may make it more difficult to breathe deeply.
• Quit smoking. Smoking leads to lung disease, breathing issues and other health concerns. Eliminating smoking allows your lungs a chance to heal so that they can function properly.
• Introduce indoor plants. Live plants help remove carbon dioxide from your home. They also increase the level of oxygen indoors, making it more readily available for you to breathe.
• Drink more water. Proper hydration is important for all body functions, including moving oxygen through the body.
  Consume iron-rich foods. Consuming iron-rich foods may help red blood cells function better and improve the oxygen level in your blood.

It’s important to note that these methods for increasing oxygen levels are not guaranteed, nor are they a cure for certain conditions. While they may help by increasing oxygen levels in the home, it is still important to follow your doctor’s instructions and advice. Continue to monitor your oxygen levels and overall health even if you do use these methods to increase your oxygen levels at home.

How to increase your oxygen level at home immediately using breathing exercises

For those looking to learn how to increase the oxygen level in your body at home instantly, breathing exercises are a good choice. These specialised breathing techniques can help alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as COPD, asthma attacks and emphysema. They can encourage your lungs to utilise air more effectively and increase the amount of oxygen your body takes in.

Pursed lip breathing

This method can help make each breath more effective and offer greater control over your breathing.

1. Inhale through your nose for two seconds.
2. Purse your lips as though you were blowing out a candle.
3. Blow out through your lips, taking twice as long to exhale as you did to inhale.
4. Repeat as needed.

Deep belly breathing

Deep belly breathing is the correct way to fill your diaphragm to ensure proper oxygen intake.

1. Place a hand on your stomach.
2. Inhale slowly through your nose and feel your stomach expand.
3. Exhale slowly through your mouth.
4. Repeat for 15 minutes.

Buteyko nose breathing

A Ukrainian doctor designed this breathing technique to help prevent breathlessness and increase breath control.

1. Inhale slowly through your nose, keeping your mouth closed.
2. Exhale slowly through your nose as long as possible.
3. Inhale again when you feel compelled.
4. Repeat five times.

How to increase the oxygen level in your body at home using medical devices

In some cases, doctors may prescribe supplemental oxygen treatments for patients who need higher oxygen concentrations than they can get naturally. Oxygen therapy is provided via specialised oxygen equipment. The most common devices are oxygen concentrators and a face mask or a small plastic hose called a nasal cannula. Portable oxygen cylinders and machines are also available.

Medical oxygen equipment is generally only prescribed by doctors or other healthcare professionals. It is commonly used for long-term treatments for patients diagnosed with COPD, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension or other conditions. However, it’s important to remember that oxygen therapy treatments vary from person to person. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions closely if you are using oxygen equipment at home.

Measuring and understanding your blood oxygen level

Once you’ve learned how to increase your oxygen level at home, you can easily measure your blood oxygen levels using pulse oximetry. Pulse oximeters are small clip-on devices that determine your approximate blood oxygen level and heart rate.

While pulse oximeter readings are not always accurate, they can still help you monitor your oxygen levels in the long term. Using one regularly can help you monitor your oxygen levels and serve as a warning if your oxygen level ever dips drastically.

If you need assistance locating a pulse oximeter, oxygen concentrator or other oxygen equipment, we can help. Please reach out to our experienced team today on 1300 881 824.