COVID-19 made people hesitant about visiting hospitals for regular consultations, resulting in the practice of self-health checkups at home. Consequently, regular health checks and medical devices have become increasingly important, which in turn can help prevent medical conditions.
Monitoring basic health parameters using devices is possible, saving time and effort spent going to the clinic repeatedly. Furthermore, telemedicine has made medical devices even more crucial, as patients can conduct basic tests at home and share the results with their doctors.
Here are some essential medical devices for monitoring one's health at home so that everyone is ready to take all the necessary precautions.
Essential medical devices to use at home
Contactless thermometer
Thermometers have become a necessity for everyone. Thermometers with contactless technology allow users to measure body temperatures without directly contacting the person measuring them.
In particular, concerning the COVID-19 virus, which spreads physically, this device has been considered among the best practices for contactless temperature checking. Contactless thermometers can also be read more easily than mercury-filled thermometers.
Oximeter
An oxygen pulse oximeter measures your blood's oxygen saturation. This medical device became crucial during the pandemic. The level of blood oxygen in patients with COVID-19 infection must be monitored. Pulse oximeters measure pulse rate and blood oxygen (SpO2) and are easily accessible.
Some of these devices also incorporate pulse reading, which provides further information about the individual's health. Red blood cells contain oxygen (SpO2), and your pulse rate is the rate at which this blood flows throughout your body.
To make the best medical decisions, you should consult your physician before taking any action based on the results of a pulse oximeter.
A pulse oximetry reading is quick and non-invasive so that it can be used at home. Determine a patient's pulse oximeter needs; different pulse oximeters exist.
On the go, spot checks can be done with fingertip oximeters, but overnight checks should be done with a continuous monitor. In some pulse oximeters, you can connect your phone directly to it, making it easy to share your readings with your doctor.
Blood pressure meter
Most routine checkups include blood pressure measurements, resulting from the force of blood pumped against your artery walls. When your blood pressure is high, your heart may work harder than usual to pump blood throughout the body.
This can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes in the long run. Several types of blood pressure monitors exist, including systolic and diastolic. Blood travels through your arteries, pushing systolic pressure higher when your heart beats. During diastole, your heart fills up with blood, and the pressure is lower.
Using a blood pressure cuff, you inflate the device until the blood flows no longer to your arteries. After deflating the cuffs, the doctor will listen to your heartbeat and blood pressure as it pumps through the artery.
There has been a lack of physical activity among many people because of the pandemic. Increasing stress, not exercising, being overweight, and eating a salty diet can significantly affect your blood pressure.
To maintain healthy blood pressure and pulse, digital blood pressure monitors are an excellent tool to keep at home. Because a blood pressure monitor is digital, it is easier to use than a traditional sphygmomanometer used in clinics.
Vaporizer
A vaporizer can relieve severe congestion, colds, coughs, and nose blocks. To protect yourself against viral fevers, including those caused by the COVID-19 virus, you should keep your chest and nose congestion under control.
Portable oxygen concentrators
The study examined more than 32,000 adults suffering from a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other types of lung disease. It determined that physically active people lived longer and had improved heart rates. You can stay active by using a portable oxygen machine (as prescribed by a prescribing physician), which delivers oxygen safely and effectively.
if you are required to have oxygen and buy your first oxygen concentrator, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for your needs.
The "Smallest Portable Oxygen Concentrator," the Inogen One G4, is smaller and lighter than nearly all portable oxygen concentrators on the market. You may find this model just what you're looking for if you require supplemental oxygen but like to get out of the house.
Inogen One G5 and SimplyGo Mini produce 1.26 LPM and 1.63 LPM, respectively, but the G4 measures only 0.63 liters per minute (LPM) because it is so small.
There is also the consideration that the G4 single battery holds its charge for only 2 hours and 15 minutes (depending on the setting). For extra protection, you should carry the double battery or bring a single extra battery if you plan on running more than one quick errand.
Inogen Connect is a free app that connects the G4 to your smartphone. Instead of the concentrator, your phone can be used to check battery status and make settings changes.
Spirometers
The purpose of spirometry is to measure the function of the lungs. Spirometers appear in professional medical settings in two different types: incentive spirometers and peak flow meters.
To improve your lungs' ability to breathe efficiently, incentive spirometers monitor your lungs' inhalation. The most common way they help is in patients recovering from upper abdominal surgery or with chronic respiratory conditions like pneumonia, COPD, and asthma. Your lung's peak flow can be measured by peak flow meters. For general, everyday use, these devices are best.
A spirometry reading measures forced vital capacity (FVC) and expiratory volume (FEV). When you exhale deeply, your FVC is the maximum amount of air you can exhale. It is possible to have restricted breathing if your FVC reading is low.
In one second, the FEV measures the air you can exhale. If your FEV reading is low, you may have a significant lung obstruction.
At home, a spirometer is essential for people with respiratory conditions because it allows them to manage their health independently. The devices can also be applied by people who wish to monitor their breathing abilities, such as athletes and musicians. Physicians can determine the best treatment plan for patients by analyzing spirometry readings over time. SpiroLink is a digital spirometer with a pressure sensor that provides accurate measurements and durability.