Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 22 April 2021
Ministry of Heath and Family Welfare, Government of India has published instruction on ‘Proning for Self Care’ on its website. Proning is the process of turning a patient with precise, safe motions, from their back onto their abdomen (stomach). Proning is medically accepted position to improve breathing comfort and oxygenation. It is extremely beneficial in COVID-19 patients with compromised breathing comfort, especially during home isolation.
Prone positioning improves ventilation, keeps alveolar units open and breathing easy. Proning is required only when the patient feels difficulty in breathing and the SpO2 decreases below 90 (less than 94).
URL for Proning for Self Care: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/COVID19ProningforSelfcare3.pdf
Regular monitoring of SpO2, along with other signs like temperature, blood pressure and blood sugar, is important during home isolation.
Missing out on hypoxia (compromised Oxygen circulation) may lead to worsening of complications.
Timely proning and maintaining good ventilation could save many lives.
Proning should be avoided in conditions like pregnancy, deep venous thrombosis (Treated in less than 48 hours), major cardiac conditions, unstable spine, femur, or pelvic fractures.