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Proning and how it can help during COVID-19
(Last Updated On: March 29, 2021)
One of the major symptoms people infected with the mutated virus are facing is reduced oxygen saturation. Proning is a medically approved position which helps improve breathing comfort and oxygenation in COVID-19 patients. If oxygen levels drop below 94, timely proning can help ease distress. Proning improves ventilation to the lungs, and keeps the alveoli units (tiny structures that are the smallest passageway in the respiratory system) open, thereby easing breathing.
While proning, you can lie on your belly using pillows. You can also lie on the right side (right lateral), left side (left lateral) or sit at a 60-90 degree angle in the ‘fowler position’. All you require for proning is 4-5 pillows. One pillow is to be placed below the neck, 1-2 pillows below the chest through upper thighs, and 2 pillows below the shins. Ensure that the abdomen is not compressed.
Doctors suggest that a patient should remain in the prone position for a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours. For best results, experts recommend spending 30 minutes in each position. You should start with lying on your belly, then move to your right side, then sit up with your legs extended in front of you, go on to lying on the left side and finally back to the belly.
Things to keep in mind before proning:
- Avoid proning for one hour after meals.
- Adjust the pillows for comfort and ease pressure points.
- Even though the Ministry of Health says that one can be prone for upto 16 hours a day in multiple cycles, maintain proning for only as many times as easily tolerable.
- Proning should be avoided during pregnancy. Patients with major cardiac conditions, unstable spine femur or pelvic fractures should not practice proning.
Experts across India are advocating proning exercises to improve oxygen levels in Covid-19 positive patients both in home isolation as well as in hospitals. It has shown immediate benefits in various cases.
In case you experience any symptoms of Covid-19, immediately isolate yourself and consult a doctor. To book an appointment with your nearest doctor with Surite, download the Surite app or visit www.surite.in now.
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