04/05/2021
Important.....swipe
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.
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 blood. In the last few years, prone positioning has been used increasingly in the treatment of patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and this is now considered a simple & safe method to improve oxygenation in COVID-19 symptoms.
What are the precautionary measures that need to be taken?
Avoid proning if pregnant
Avoid proning for an hour after meals
Maintain proning for only as many times as easily tolerable
Keep a track of any pressure sores or injuries, especially, around bony prominences
Avoid proning if you have major cardiac conditions
Avoid proning if you have an unstable spine, femur or pelvic fractures.
