Oxygen deprivation often leaves COVID positive patients gasping for breath and suffering from difficulties.
With resources running scarce and patients facing problems searching for oxygen support machines, many are being recommended home remedies and therapies to manage the condition at home. Proning position is one of them.
An 82-year-old grandmother from Uttar Pradesh has conquered the virus without any need for oxygen as the demand for oxygen is on the rise as the corona is directly hitting the respiratory tract in the second stage. Oxygen levels were raised in a 'proning' manner and he emerged unharmed from the corona in just 12 days.
Proning position is now being actively recommended to COVID+ patients under home isolation and fluctuating SPo2 levels to boost their oxygen levels. t has also helped many successfully battle respiratory issues and breathe better. Most recently, an 82 year old woman from Gorakhpur, UP, managed to not only beat COVID but also improved her oxygen readings from 75 (considered extremely low and dangerous) to 94 by sleeping in a prone position! Ministry of Health and Family Welfare MoHFW ) recently advised proning for self care amongst patients who have tested positive for COVID19, stating it to be extremely beneficial.
WHAT IS PRONING
Lying face down is known as proning, it is a medically accepted position to improve oxygenation. If a patient’s oxygen levels drop below 94 (when measured at home on an oximeter), the patient can lie on their tummy This position improves ventilation and enables comfortable breathing.
POSITIONING OF PILLOW
➤ One pillow below the neck.
➤Two pillows below the shins through upper thighs.
➤One or two pillows below the chest.
For Self-Proning:
➤ You will need 4-5 Pillows.
➤Regular alterations in lying position.
➤Best is to not spend more than 30 minutes in each position.
IMPORTANCE OF PRONING
Physical position affects the distribution and volume of air in the lungs and Can have direct effects on the expansion of the lungs to permit the exchange of oxygen & carbon dioxide in the Prone positioning improves ventilation, keeps alveolar units open and breathing easy In the last few years, prone positioning has been used increasingly in the treatment of patients with Actual Respiratory Distress Syndrome ( ARDS ) and This is now considered a simple & safe method to improve oxygenation. It is a medically accepted process.
CAUTIONS➤ Maintain proning for only as many times as easily tolerable.
➤ One may prone for up to 16 hours a day, in multiple cycles, as felt comfortable.
➤ Pillows may be adjusted slightly to alter pressure areas and for comfort.
➤ Keep a track of any pressure sores or injuries, especially around bony prominences.
If you have any doubt please let me know.