Since this has some possibly useful content thought it worth a thread. This is a piece by a long-term ER doctor who is a specialist in vent intubation, on a phenomenon he noticed while working with Covid-19 patients.Apparently many of those suffering from this disease often have pneumonia without realizing it, which is extremely unusual. They don't experience shortness of breath but are still suffering from hypoxia and very low oxygen levels. Using a pulse oximeter to monitor one's condition, as he describes below, can be a way to either avoid unnecessary hospitalization or prove that one needs to be tested, if necessary, since tests can be very difficult to get.
"There is a way we could identify more patients who have Covid pneumonia sooner and treat them more effectively — and it would not require waiting for a coronavirus test at a hospital or doctor’s office. It requires detecting silent hypoxia early through a common medical device that can be purchased without a prescription at most pharmacies: a pulse oximeter.
Pulse oximetry is no more complicated than using a thermometer. These small devices turn on with one button and are placed on a fingertip. In a few seconds, two numbers are displayed: oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Pulse oximeters are extremely reliable in detecting oxygenation problems and elevated heart rates.
Pulse oximeters helped save the lives of two emergency physicians I know, alerting them early on to the need for treatment. When they noticed their oxygen levels declining, both went to the hospital and recovered (though one waited longer and required more treatment). Detection of hypoxia, early treatment and close monitoring apparently also worked for Boris Johnson, the British prime minister.
Widespread pulse oximetry screening for Covid pneumonia — whether people check themselves on home devices or go to clinics or doctors’ offices — could provide an early warning system for the kinds of breathing problems associated with Covid pneumonia.
People using the devices at home would want to consult with their doctors to reduce the number of people who come to the E.R. unnecessarily because they misinterpret their device. There also may be some patients who have unrecognized chronic lung problems and have borderline or slightly low oxygen saturations unrelated to Covid-19."
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/20/o...pneumonia.html
