Anyone who has suffered from panic attacks may know the importance of monitoring one’s breathing. A number of different factors often trigger these attacks, but most commonly, stress. Luckily, technology is helping people monitor their oxygen levels more efficiently than ever before.

This monitoring process is really helpful for the ones who got COPD or other lung conditions that can make breathing difficult. These days, several smartwatches on the market are specifically designed to monitor a user’s breathing rate and overall oxygen saturation level (SAT).

Read on to learn more about these new devices and their potential uses in treating anxiety and other respiratory conditions.

What is a Smart Watch That Monitors Oxygen Saturation?

These devices are built to make it easier for people who are suffering from breathing disorders to keep track of their oxygen saturation level. The most accurate way to monitor oxygen saturation is with a medical device called an oximeter.

These oximeters are worn on the finger, toe, or ear and detect oxygen levels via infrared light. However, oximeters are only accurate if the person wearing them is breathing normally. This can be a problem for those living with COPD, asthma, or other serious respiratory conditions.

Many smartwatches that monitor oxygen saturation are also Bluetooth-enabled. No need of wires to connect to these apps. The app usually connects to a “cloud” that stores the data of the person. From there, the app can be used to track a person’s breathing pattern, blood oxygen levels, and more.

How Does a Smart Watch That Monitors Oxygen Work?

Bluetooth-enabled smart watches that monitor oxygen saturation work in one of two ways. The first is what is called a “ one-way ” connection. With this type of setup, the smartwatch and app communicate information back and forth. However, the app is not able to access the watch’s functionality at all.

The other method is a “ two-way ” connection. With this setup, a watch that tracks oxygen levels is able to connect to the app and send information. This information can be used by the app but is unable to be viewed from the watch.

Bluetooth – Enabled or Standalone with App

Depending on the type of smartwatch that you choose to buy, you can either use it as a standalone device or connect it to a Bluetooth app.

With a standalone smartwatch, users are able to check their breathing rate and saturation levels from the watch itself. However, a standalone device can only be used if the person wearing it also has a Bluetooth-enabled phone. B

While most smartwatches can connect via Bluetooth, not all phones can. This means that a user may need to check if their phone is Bluetooth-enabled before buying a smartwatch.

Potential Uses of a Smartwatch That Monitors Oxygen

Although oxygen monitoring is the most common type of functionality that smartwatches with oxygen functionality provide, they are not limited to this. In fact, there are a number of other reasons that people are choosing to buy these devices.

Smart watches with an oxygen monitoring function can track the heart rate of people. This can be useful for those who are following a fitness program that requires them to keep track of their heart rate.

Armed with Data, COPD Patients Can Treat Anxiety and COPD

For those with chronic lung conditions, the ability to track one’s oxygen level can be a lifesaver. It allows people with asthma, COPD, and other breathing problems to better manage their condition. For example, many people with asthma and COPD experience severe anxiety because of their condition.

While this is certainly common, there is no way to know if it is present unless it is treated. Tracking one’s breathing rate and SAT level allows one to identify when a higher level of anxiety is present.

This stems from the fact that breathing is linked to anxiety as well as your mood. Once the breathing pattern is tracked, it’s then possible to treat the anxiety.

Read Also: How Smartwatches Can Detect Health Issues

Conclusion

The market for smartwatches that monitor oxygen saturation is only just starting to grow. However, this is likely to become even more popular, especially among those who suffer from breathing disorders. And now you know a basic idea of this, take this info before you decide on having a watch that measures oxygen levels.