5 Medical Devices You Must Have at Home

Medical emergencies can arrive at any time. One thing that covid pandemic has taught us is to be extra careful about health. You can use certain medical devices to track the changes your body is facing due to any illness. Let us jump in to know which medical devices like thermometer, nebulisers, etc. every home must have in order to take precautions.

Thermometer

This is a very basic device every home must-have. Especially in winters and monsoons, when flu is widespread, you can track the temperature of kids, adults, and the elderly with a thermometer. The average body temperature range is from 97°F to 99°F, i.e., 36.1°C to 37.2°C. A temperature over 100.4°F, i.e., 38°C, often means you have a fever due to illness or any kind of infection.

Generally, the thermometer used in homes is a digital or mercury thermometer. A thermometer can be used in three different ways to measure temperature.

Oral: The thermometer is kept under the tongue until the beep sound from the thermometer. This method is helpful for adults and babies over the age of four who can hold the thermometer.

Rectal: The thermometer is inserted into the rectum. This method is used for babies till age 3.

Axillary: The thermometer is kept under the armpit of adults or children.

Blood Glucose Meter

A glucometer is a device used to measure blood sugar levels. Anyone with diabetes or any blood sugar issues which require regular checking of blood sugar levels can use this device at home. Here are the steps on how to use a glucometer.

1. Insert the testing chip in the glucometer.

2. Prick the finger and squeeze a drop of blood.

3. Place the drop of blood on the edge of the testing strip.

4. The glucometer will show the glucose level on the screen in a few seconds.

Blood Pressure Monitor

A blood pressure monitor helps measure blood pressure levels. The normal blood pressure is around 110/70 to 120/80. People with high BP (Hypertension) and low BP (Hypotension) who require regular blood pressure monitoring can use it at home. Let’s see how to use a digital blood pressure monitor at home.

1. Slide the blood pressure cup onto your arm and secure it about an inch above the crease of the elbow.

2. In an automatic model, press the switch to inflate the cuff. While using a manual model, use a hand pump to inflate the cup.

3. After the cuff fully inflates, it will automatically start deflating.

4. The screen of the blood pressure monitor will show the measurements.

Oximeter

An oximeter is used to measure the oxygen concentration in blood. For all organs to function normally, a sufficient amount of oxygen must be transported via blood cells. A low level of oxygen can cause hypoxemia which could lead to failure of vital organs like the brain or heart. Normal oxygen saturation is 95% or higher. It is very easy to use an oximeter at home. Here is what you need to do.

1. Rest the hand on the chest near heart level and hold it still.

2. Switch on the oximeter and place it in the index or middle finger.

3. In a few seconds, the oximeter will show the results.

Inhalers and Nebulizers

Metered-Dose Inhaler(MDI) is the most common type of inhaler. It uses a chemical to push the medicine into the lungs. It is kept in the mouth as the medicine is released in puffs. People with asthma or COPD are recommended to use inhalers.

Nebulizers spray a liquid mist of medicine via a mouthpiece or mask. Nebulizers are often used for children and people with severe asthma who cannot use inhalers.

Conclusion

All the medical devices mentioned above can go a long way in case of an emergency. Irrespective of age, these devices like thermometers, nebulisers can help in monitoring your and your family's health.