Lung disease: the importance of pulse oximeters
A pulse oximeter measures the pulse rate and oxygen levels in the blood, known as oxygen saturation. It can help diagnose a problem with the lungs. Original videographic on pulse oxymeter.
A new analysis suggests there may be a simple, noninvasive technique that could delay, or even eliminate, the need for ventilation in Covid-19 patients.
It’s called “proning”. And it appears to be remarkably effective at boosting “blood oxygen saturation” levels, often called sats, among Covid patients struggling with abnormally low levels (known as hypoxia).
“Proning is basically having patients turn over onto their stomach or onto their side while lying down,” explained study author Dr Nicholas Caputo. He’s the associate chief at New York City Health and Hospitals/Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center’s department of emergency medicine.
How does it work? Gravity, says Caputo.
COVID-19 articles sourced from various authors.
