The prevailing pandemic of COVID-19 has brought about a tragedy in almost everyone’s life. While some lost their jobs, some lost their lives! In fact, the SARS COV-2 virus is so unpredictable that it keeps on altering its nature and characteristics.
There are some people who are infected by the deadly virus but aren’t aware because there is no visible symptom. Nevertheless, in the majority of the asymptomatic cases, the virus promotes infection within the lungs. And this can typically disrupt the SpO2 normal range, lowering the blood oxygen level.
When your oxygen level lowers, you will likely experience short breaths and feel extremely tired. However, there might be times when you might not feel anything at all. And this can be extremely dangerous.
Thus, it is immensely crucial for you to keep track of your oxygen level with an oximeter until you feel better. And when you notice that your oxygen levels are dropping tremendously, you must seek immediate medical attention.
Since you are here today, this article will give you valuable insights into the SpO2 normal range according to age groups. Please stay tuned until the end to have a clear idea regarding the same. Thus, you will be able to monitor the oxygen levels of your loved ones and yours.
Come, let’s get started.
Readings of Pulse Oximeter
Here, we have made a comprehensive chart showing the various readings of oxygen levels. Once you go through them, you will know when you need to seek medical help.
| Oximeter Readings | Guidance |
| 95% to 100% | Normal Blood Oxygen Level |
| 91% to 94% | This level of blood oxygen is quite concerning and might indicate a moderate medical problem |
| 90% or lower | This level of blood oxygen is very concerning and might indicate a severe medical issue |
Normal Blood Oxygen Levels by Age – An Overview
If you are a novice in using oximeters, you might need help understanding what the numbers indicate. However, we are here to help you. You will notice that your oximeter shows two different numbers. While one indicates the heart rate, the other indicates the blood oxygen level, which is labelled as SpO2.
Please note that 95% or higher is the normal level of blood oxygen for most people. On the other hand, the normal heart rate is generally below 100.
You should also remember that your heart rate and blood oxygen levels are likely to alter according to several factors. For instance, your body position, activities, and overall health can fluctuate your SpO2 and heart rate.
Here, we have listed the normal levels of blood oxygen by age:
| Conditions | Age Group | SpO2 Levels |
| Normal | Both Adults and Children | 95% to 100% |
| Normal | > 70 Years Old | Around 95% |
| Brain is likely to be affected | Both Adults and Children | 80% to 85% |
| Cyanosis | Both Adults and Children | Below 67% |
Here, we have made a comprehensive listing of the heart rates according to age groups:
| Age Group | Normal Pulse Rate |
| Adult Athlete | 40-60 |
| Less than 28 Days | 100-125 |
| 1 month to 1 year | 100-190 |
| 1 year to 2 years | 98-140 |
| 2 years to 5 years | 80-120 |
| 6 years to 11 years | 75-118 |
| 12 years to adult | 40-60 |
Reasons for Low Blood Oxygen Levels
Some of the most common causes of low blood oxygen levels are:
- Decreased Capability of the Body to Take in Oxygen
Some common lung conditions are:
- Emphysema
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Pneumothorax
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pulmonary oedema
- Interstitial lung disease
- Viral Infections, etc.
- Lowered Capacity of the Heart to Supply Oxygenated Blood to the Lungs
There are certain congenital heart diseases that decrease the heart’s capacity to supply oxygenated blood to the lungs.
- Other Conditions
Some of the other health conditions that can significantly lower blood oxygen levels are:
- Sleep Apnea
- Anaemia
- Smoking, etc.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypoxemia or Low Blood Oxygen Levels
You can know that you or your loved ones are experiencing hypoxemia when you notice the following signs and symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Mild to severe headache
- Coughing
- Dizziness
- Feeling confused
- Wheezing
- Cyanosis
- Rapid heartbeat, etc.
Please note that insufficient SpO2 can efficiently reduce the supply of oxygen to the other organs and tissues of the body. However, if hypoxemia is left untreated, then things can become extremely dangerous. And at worst, it might also end up affecting your brain and heart.
To Conclude
By now, you must clearly know the SpO2 normal range. So whenever anyone around you complains about breathlessness or any other above-stated symptom, you must check the blood oxygen levels. If you find that the SpO2 levels are deteriorating, then you need to seek immediate medical attention. The healthcare professionals of Apollo Hospitals will provide the best treatments and will also cure all the underlying conditions.