Many adults breathe at a rate of around 15 respirations per minute; reducing this to rate to 10 per minute has been shown to benefit oxygen saturation. Make sure to breathe in through your nose and then pause for a few seconds after each breath. Stay as relaxed as possible while you are breathing. This is also known as the Buteyko method and it may help to increase your oxygen saturation. [1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Especially if you have a medical condition like COPD, talk to your health care team about including respiratory training. You can also seek out guided breathing training outside of a medical setting, in ways like joining a yoga class or being instructed in diaphragmatic breathing (either by a respiratory trainer or a vocal coach). [3] X Research source
Try coughing a few times to see if this help you to breathe a little easier.
Breathe in through your nose for about two seconds. Pucker your lips (as if giving a kiss) and hold the breath in for a beat. Exhale through your pursed lips for about six seconds. Repeat as many times as desired.
Don’t resist this treatment because you’re worried you’ll be “chained” to an oxygen tank and stuck in bed for life. Portable tanks can be very unobtrusive and allow you to go out and about with more energy and endurance.
As per your doctor’s recommendations, you can adjust your supplemental oxygen to compensate for lower saturation readings, or when you are engaging in activities like walking or light exercise.
There are numerous types of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), short- and long-acting beta-2 agonists (SABA & LABA), and other medications that may be prescribed to you. Make sure you understand your doctor’s instructions for using them, and follow the plan diligently. These medications are also known as bronchodilators. Bronchodilators increase the diameter of your airways and this helps to increase oxygenation.
The machine comes with a hose and a mask that you wear over your mouth and nose.
New treatments can also carry new risks, of course, or turn out not to be as effective as initially hoped. Do some research on your own to find out what options are out there, and work with your medical team to determine the treatment plan that is right for you.
If you are on supplemental oxygen, smoking is also a severe fire hazard. Concentrated oxygen is extremely flammable, and many people have been seriously or even fatally burned as a result of smoking while using supplemental oxygen.
If you live in an area with fresh air, open a window or go outside. Keep plants in the house to boost oxygen levels. Clean and dust regularly. Invest in air cleaners if desired. Don’t expect major increases in oxygen saturation this way; use it in coordination with other changes.
Also, even if your oxygen saturation were to remain the same, losing weight makes it easier for you to utilize the oxygen in your body. Compare it to how an unloaded car uses fuel more efficiently. [12] X Research source
If you have COPD or another condition that impacts your pulmonary or cardiovascular health, you will have restrictions to your exercise choices. Work with your medical team to develop a realistic and effective plan for you.
Plain water is the best choice for hydration, while fruits and vegetables are water-rich and healthy food choices. Try, for instance, steamed spinach, carrots, or green beans, or freshly-made fruit juices and smoothies. Drinking water can help to loosen up the mucus in your airways. This will help them to stay open and provide the maximum oxygen access.
You can also alter your position to improve your ability to breathe and increase oxygen saturation. This is a non-invasive way to improve your oxygen saturation. For example, if you are laying down, elevate the head of your bed to at least 30 degrees. If you elevate the head of your bed to 45 to 60 degrees, then this may improve your oxygen saturation even more.
