5 Warning Signs You Need Emergency Oxygen: When to Call for Help

Introduction

Oxygen is essential for every cell in your body. When oxygen levels drop dangerously low—a condition called hypoxemia—it can quickly become a medical emergency. According to the World Health Organization, severe hypoxemia (SpO2 below 90%) requires immediate intervention. [WHO, 2023]

Whether you're caring for a loved one at home, managing a chronic respiratory condition, or just want to be prepared, knowing the warning signs of low oxygen can save a life.

Understanding Normal Oxygen Levels

Before recognizing problems, it helps to understand what's normal:

5 Warning Signs of Low Oxygen

Even without a pulse oximeter, your body gives clear warning signs when oxygen levels are dropping. The NHS and medical experts identify these key symptoms: [NHS, 2024]

1. Severe Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing is often the first and most obvious sign. Seek help if:

• Breathing becomes labored even at rest
• You can't complete sentences without stopping to breathe
• Breathing is unusually fast (more than 25-30 breaths per minute)
• You hear wheezing, gasping, or gurgling sounds
• The person needs to sit upright to breathe comfortably

2. Bluish Discoloration (Cyanosis)

When blood oxygen drops significantly, skin and mucous membranes can turn bluish or grayish. The American Lung Association advises checking these areas: [ALA, 2024]

• Lips and tongue — Often the first place to show color change
• Fingernails and toenails — May appear blue, purple, or gray
• Earlobes — Can show subtle discoloration
• Skin around the mouth — Especially in children

In people with darker skin tones, check:

• The gums and inner lips
• The nail beds
• The palms of hands or soles of feet may appear grayish

3. Confusion or Altered Mental State

The brain is extremely sensitive to oxygen levels. Watch for these neurological warning signs:

• Sudden confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
• Disorientation — not knowing where they are or what day it is
• Unusual drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
• Agitation or restlessness — especially if out of character
• Memory problems — forgetting recent events or conversations
• Slurred speech or difficulty finding words

4. Rapid or Irregular Heart Rate

When oxygen is low, the heart works harder to compensate by pumping blood faster. According to the British Heart Foundation: [BHF, 2024]

• Resting heart rate above 100-120 beats per minute (tachycardia) is concerning
• Heart palpitations or feeling like the heart is "racing"
• Irregular heartbeat or skipped beats
• Chest discomfort or tightness

How to check pulse: Place two fingers on the wrist (below the thumb) or on the neck (beside the windpipe). Count beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.

5. Extreme Fatigue and Weakness

Oxygen is fuel for your muscles and organs. Inadequate oxygen leads to:

• Profound exhaustion that isn't relieved by rest
• Weakness — difficulty standing, walking, or performing simple tasks
• Muscle fatigue with minimal exertion
• Inability to stay awake or extreme sleepiness
• Loss of coordination or unsteady movements

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Certain conditions make people more vulnerable to oxygen deficiency:

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Pulmonary Fibrosis — scarring of lung tissue
• Severe Asthma — especially during attacks
• COVID-19 — particularly during recovery phase
• Pneumonia — bacterial or viral lung infections
• Heart Failure — reduced pumping capacity
• Sleep Apnea — especially untreated
• Elderly patients — reduced respiratory reserve

What to Do in an Emergency

If you notice these warning signs, act quickly:

Immediate Steps

1. Stay calm — panic increases oxygen demand
2. Help the person sit upright — this position makes breathing easier
3. Loosen tight clothing around the chest and neck
4. If on supplemental oxygen: Check the equipment is working and increase flow rate to the maximum prescribed level
5. Open windows to ensure fresh air circulation
6. Use a pulse oximeter if available to check SpO2 level

When to Call Emergency Services (1122)

Call immediately if:

• SpO2 drops below 90% and doesn't improve
• Person shows signs of cyanosis (blue lips/nails)
• Severe difficulty breathing or can't speak
• Person becomes unresponsive or unconscious
• Chest pain accompanies breathing difficulty

Muhafiz Oxygen Emergency Service

While not a replacement for emergency medical services, we provide 24/7 emergency oxygen delivery across Lahore for situations where:

• Your current oxygen supply runs out unexpectedly
• You need backup cylinders during a power outage
• Hospital discharge requires immediate home oxygen setup
• Your oxygen equipment malfunctions

Prevention Tips

For patients on home oxygen therapy:

• Never skip doses — use oxygen as prescribed
• Monitor levels regularly — check SpO2 2-3 times daily
• Keep backup supplies — always have a spare cylinder
• Plan refills early — don't wait until the cylinder is nearly empty
• Maintain equipment — replace tubing and cannulas regularly
• Attend follow-ups — regular doctor visits catch problems early

References

1. World Health Organization. (2023). Pulse oximetry training manual. WHO Patient Safety. www.who.int
2. NHS. (2024). Low blood oxygen (hypoxia). NHS UK. www.nhs.uk
3. American Lung Association. (2024). Oxygen Therapy. Lung Health & Diseases. www.lung.org
4. British Heart Foundation. (2024). Heart rate: What's normal?. BHF. www.bhf.org.uk
5. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Hypoxemia. Health Library. my.clevelandclinic.org

Conclusion

Recognizing the warning signs of low oxygen can be life-saving. If you or someone you care for has a respiratory condition, stay vigilant for:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Bluish discoloration
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Rapid heart rate
• Extreme fatigue

Keep a pulse oximeter at home, know when to call for help, and always have a backup oxygen supply available. Preparation saves lives.

For emergency oxygen delivery in Lahore, contact Muhafiz Oxygen: +92 300 9494790