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COVID-19 Patients In Home Isolation Can Use This Technique to Improve Oxygen Levels

A technique called 'prone method' for improving oxygen levels is going viral on social media amidst the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases in India. Here's all you need to know about this method.

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Written By: Longjam Dineshwori | Updated: April 23, 2021, 5:12 PM

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Monitor Your Oxygen Levels

In a pulse oximeter, the normal oxygen levels in the blood usually range from 95% to 100%. If your home SpO2 reading is below 90%, you need to seek medical attention. Any COVID-19 patient with an oxygen saturation below 90 percent should start oxygen therapy, said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But India is reeling under the shortage of oxygen amidst the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases, leading to death of many Covid-19 patients. During a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the COVID-19 situation on Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that there’s acute shortage of oxygen for COVID-19 patients in in the national capital. He also expressed fear that a “big tragedy” may happen in the national capital due to shortage of oxygen. He has also asked the Centre to take over all oxygen plants through the Army to ensure smooth movement of oxygen tankers coming to Delhi. Meanwhile, a technique called ‘prone method’ for improving oxygen levels is going viral on social media. Here’s all you need to know about this method.

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What Is Prone Method?

This is a scientifically proven method for improving oxygen levels that has been in practice since ages. Normally it is used on patients with severe respiratory failure, and who are on a ventilator. This proning position is considered a simple and safe method to improve oxygenation. According to a study published in the European Respiratory Journal, 2002, this method improves oxygenation in 70 to 80 per cent of patients with early acute respiratory distress syndrome. This method is now gaining huge attention as Covid-19 patients are experiencing a dip in oxygen levels and the hospitals are facing unavailability of oxygen cylinders.  Also Read - Can hydrotherapy help lower blood pressure? Expert explains the benefits of warm water therapy

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How To Perform Prone Position

To perform the prone method, lie face-down on your belly with your chest raised and practise rapid breathing. However, doctors cautioned that it is only a temporary substitute that you can do at home while waiting for an ambulance or medical help. If you your oxygen levels drop considerably, you need to contact a medical authority. The Union Ministry of Health and Family has also released a detailed guideline on how to do COVID-19 proning for self care.

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Things To Keep In Mind

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family guidelines, one should avoid proning for an hour after meals. You should maintain proning positing for only as much times as easily tolerable. Read the guidelines below -

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Proning Method Is Not For Everyone

A National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) study published in Cureus Journal in July 2020 noted that awake proning can delay the use of mechanical ventilation as well as reduce the burden on hospitals. But it also warned that not everyone affected with the coronavirus can use this method. Those with a history with spinal instability like spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, injury, or trauma to the spine; increased intracranial pressure; hemodynamically unstable conditions like hypertension and cardiopulmonary diseases; abdominal open wounds and pregnant women are recommended to avoid doing proning position.  Also Read - Heart failure warning signs: 5 early symptoms you should never ignore

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Longjam Dineshwori

A passionate journalist with 10 years of experience in media industry, trying to to improve lives of people by creating inspiring, informative and impactful content. I strongly believe good health is the foundation of happiness and ... Read More