COVID-19: How to maintain oxygen levels at home to get rid of breathing problems

How to maintain oxygen levels at home: India has reported a record single-day surge in Covid-19 cases of more than 4,14,000 on Thursday, May 6. The second wave of the pandemic has spread fast and most of the covid-19 patients are facing breathing problems and the country is going through an oxygen cylinder crisis.

Amid this crisis, people who are in-home quarantine are advised to monitor their oxygen level and keep on doing exercises to increase and maintain their oxygen level.

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According to a tweet by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proning can help people breathe better during Covid-19.

As per the information provided by the ministry, proning is a medically accepted process to improve breathing comfort and oxygenation. An individual has to lie face down onto their abdomen.

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Proning as an aid to help you breathe better during #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/FCr59v1AST

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) April 22, 2021

For self proning, a person will need 4-5 pillows, regular alterations in lying position and best is to not to spend more than 30 minutes in each position.

However, there are certain cautions which needs to be followed like avoid doing it for an hour after meals, maintain proning for only as much time as is easily tolerable, pillows can be adjusted slightly to alter pressure areas and for comfort, among others.

Prone position improves ventilation, keeps alveolar units open and breathing easy. It can be noted that proning is required only when the patient feels difficulty in breathing and the SpO2 decreases below 94.

While proning, the position of pillows also plays an important role. One pillow should be placed below the neck, one or two should be below the chest through upper thighs and other two pillows should be below the shins.

Other than proning an individual needs to drink healthy fluids to keep his/her body hydrated. Doing yoga, relaxation and breathing exercises and eating foods rich in iron can also help in building immunity and boosting the oxygen level.