How To Increase Oxygen Level Immediately?
Discover quick and effective ways to increase oxygen levels in the body instantly through breathing techniques, posture correction, and natural home remedies.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
Maintaining healthy oxygen levels in your body is crucial for overall well-being. Oxygen is essential for every cell, tissue, and organ to function properly. Low oxygen levels (hypoxaemia) can lead to fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, organ damage. If you're experiencing low oxygen levels, here are some immediate and effective ways to increase them naturally.
Why Is Oxygen Level Important?
Oxygen is carried by red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body. A normal oxygen saturation level (SpO₂) is between 95% to 100%. If it drops below 90%, it may indicate a health issue that needs attention.
Low oxygen levels can happen due to:
Lung diseases (asthma, COPD, pneumonia)
High altitudes
Anaemia
Poor circulation
COVID-19 or other respiratory infections
Signs of Low Oxygen Levels
Some of the symptoms of low oxygen levels are:
Shortness of breath
Rapid breathing
Confusion or dizziness
Bluish lips or fingertips
Fast heart rate
Fatigue
If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Consult Top Doctors For Your Symptoms
How to Increase Oxygen Levels Immediately?
Ways to increase oxygen levels immediately are:
1. Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing helps improve lung capacity and oxygen intake. Try these techniques:
A. Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing):
Sit or lie down comfortably.
Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
Breathe in deeply through your nose, letting your stomach rise (not your chest).
Exhale slowly through pursed lips.
Repeat for 5-10 minutes.
B. Pursed-Lip Breathing:
Inhale slowly through your nose for 2 seconds.
Purse your lips (like blowing out a candle) and exhale for 4 seconds.
This helps keep airways open longer.
2. Use Supplemental Oxygen (If Prescribed)
If you have a medical condition causing low oxygen, your doctor may recommend an oxygen concentrator or portable oxygen tank. Never use oxygen therapy without medical advice.
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality
Open windows for fresh air.
Use air purifiers to reduce pollutants.
Keep indoor plants like snake plants, aloe vera, or peace lilies, which naturally purify air.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water helps thin mucus in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Aim for 8-10 glasses a day.
5. Exercise (If Safe for You)
Light physical activity improves circulation and oxygen delivery. Try:
Walking
Gentle yoga
Stretching
Avoid overexertion if you have breathing difficulties.
6. Eat Oxygen-Boosting Foods
Certain foods help improve oxygen levels:
Iron-rich foods (spinach, lentils, red meat): Helps red blood cells carry oxygen.
Antioxidant-rich foods (berries, nuts, dark chocolate): Supports lung function.
Vitamin C-rich foods (oranges, bell peppers): Strengthens immunity.
7. Lie in the Prone Position
If you're struggling to breathe, lying on your stomach (prone positioning) can help open up the lungs. This is especially helpful for COVID-19 patients.
8. Avoid Smoking & Secondhand Smoke
Smoking damages lung function and reduces oxygen levels. Quitting smoking improves oxygen absorption.
9. Try Oxygen-Boosting Supplements (With Doctor’s Approval)
Iron supplements (if anaemic)
Vitamin B12 & folate (supports red blood cell production)
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) helps cells use oxygen efficiently.
10. Stay Calm & Reduce Stress
Anxiety can worsen breathing problems. Practice relaxation techniques like:
Meditation
Listening to calming music
Gentle stretching
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor If your oxygen levels remain below 90%, or if you experience:
Severe breathlessness
Chest pain
Extreme fatigue
Bluish skin
Conclusion
Increasing oxygen levels immediately can be achieved through simple yet effective methods like deep breathing exercises, proper posture, and improving ventilation. Staying hydrated, using steam inhalation, and stepping outdoors for fresh air can also provide quick relief. While these techniques can offer short-term support, persistent low oxygen levels should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Combining immediate action with long-term lifestyle adjustments ensures better respiratory health and overall well-being.
Consult Top General Physician
Consult Top Doctors For Your Symptoms
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Aakash Garg
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB (Medicine), DrNB (Gastroentrology).
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(150+ Patients)
Dr P Jagadeesha Chandra
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
37 Years • MBBS, MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Jayanagar, Bengaluru
Dr. S Vijayaraghavan
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
31 Years • MD (Gen. Med.)
Chennai
Apollo Speciality Hospitals OMR, Chennai
(175+ Patients)
Dr. Vishal Kumar H
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, master class in critical care medicine, Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Non Invasive Cardiology, certificate course in Cardiovascular Disease & Stroke, Certificate course in Common Mental Disorder
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru
Consult Top General Physician
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Aakash Garg
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB (Medicine), DrNB (Gastroentrology).
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(150+ Patients)
Dr P Jagadeesha Chandra
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
37 Years • MBBS, MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Jayanagar, Bengaluru
Dr. S Vijayaraghavan
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
31 Years • MD (Gen. Med.)
Chennai
Apollo Speciality Hospitals OMR, Chennai
(175+ Patients)
Dr. Vishal Kumar H
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, master class in critical care medicine, Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Non Invasive Cardiology, certificate course in Cardiovascular Disease & Stroke, Certificate course in Common Mental Disorder
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru
