What are the symptoms of low oxygen saturation?

Reduced oxygen saturation is also known as oxygen deficiency or hypoxemia. An acute oxygen deficiency can lead to symptoms such as weakness, malaise and dizziness. Mountain climbers know this feeling when they are at high altitudes where the oxygen content in the air is lower.

The body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen by making the heart pump faster and breathing faster. As a result, the blood is pumped faster through the lungs with the aim of loading them with oxygen more quickly. If there is no improvement as a result, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling and sweating can occur.A long-term lack of oxygen eventually leads to loss of consciousness.

Another sign of a deficient oxygen saturation of the blood is cyanosis, a blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. A distinction is made between peripheral and central cyanosis. Peripheral cyanosis mainly affects the fingers and toes of humans, where bluish discoloration appears. Central cyanosis also causes a bluish discoloration of the tongue.

How can I increase oxygen saturation?

When the oxygen content of the blood is reduced, the body instinctively tries to compensate for it. To do this, it tries to supply more oxygen to the blood as quickly as possible. This is done by a faster and increased pumping action, which is associated with an increased heart rate and blood pressure, and an increased breathing rate.

But this is harmful to the heart and lungs and in the long run the body cannot withstand the low oxygen level. Therefore it is important, especially in the case of chronic lung diseases, to start early with a change of life or breathing training in order to prophylactically counteract a lowered oxygen saturation. The most important thing is to stop smoking.

Smoking causes massive damage to the lungs and a stop smoking, no matter how long you have been smoking, always has a positive effect on oxygen uptake. In addition, a normalization of body weight and regular sport is recommended, especially endurance sports or sports in the fresh air. Especially mountain air and sea air have a positive effect on breathing, so it is recommended to take a vacation or a cure there.

In addition, special breathing training can help to improve the ventilation of the lungs and thus the absorption of oxygen. Some physiotherapists have a special training for breathing training. In addition, sports like yoga are good for breathing.

If all these measures are still not sufficient, medication must be taken. Some medications, such as inhaled corticoids (e.g. cortisone) or salbutamol lead to a widening of the airways and thus to an improved oxygen exchange. In some cases patients are dependent on the help of additional oxygen. This is done via special portable bottles and nasal cannulas and can also be done at home.