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oxygen levels

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sue77944
sue77944

I bought an oximeter yesterday and rather wished I hadn't because it indicates that my blood oxygen levels are consistently only 94% – is that normal for bronchiectasis? Should I be worrying? (I am anyway).

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • ellen13980
    ellen13980 sue77944

    Posted

    Hi Sue!

    I have one too and it's always around 94-95 sometimes dips to 91-93 but then when I go into the doctor's office they always say I'm at 96-97

    so I'm not sure how accurate the home ones are or whether or not to be concerned.

    I'm not sure what the average O2 level is for us? That would be helpful to know if anyone knows anything?

    sorry, not very helpful, just commiserating with the same issue 😃

    Ellen

  • ann02050
    ann02050 sue77944

    Edited

    I am pleased when my oximeter reads anything above 92%. If I concentrate on breathing slowly from the diaphragm up I can get the reading up to 94 or 95%. I'm sure you will be fine on any reading of 93% plus. Draw in some slow deep breaths before taking a reading?

  • Vee2
    Vee2 sue77944

    Edited

    I think its pretty good to be at 94%, although I do have both bronchiectasis and COPD so Im doing good if mine is in that range. Currently I am not as good as I would like between 91 and 93% sometimes reaching 94% . Time spent doing abdominal breathing can help raise the levels temporarily. Some improve with exercise others do not. I don't think you have need to worry.

  • fern04981
    fern04981 sue77944

    Posted

    My pulmonologist would say not to worry at 94%. When I had pneumonia last fall, i was told that if my pulse ox went below 92, I needed to go straight to the hospital. Note, please, that this was a specific situation: pneumonia complicating bronchiectasis, and with pneumonia persisting after initial round of antibiotics. (2nd round, different med, took care of it).

    I never even owned a pulse ox until the pneumonia, tho i'm probably in the minority of bronchiectasis patients on that. Diagnosed many years earlier and survived quite well & through many flares and 3 flavors of mild COVID-19, all without a pulse ox at home. The only reason I got one when i did was so that i'd only go to the hospital if numbers were below 92%.

  • Vee2
    Vee2 sue77944

    Posted

    Hi Sue

    I've just had my COPD checked, my oximeter was 3 figures out. Surgery oximeter measured me at 97% which is fantastic, against my own oximeter which said 94% that also good.

    At least I know when my resting is only at 91% it could in fact be 94%.

    If your hands are cold, or if you wear nail polish this also will give an inaccurate reading.

    Worth checking your oximeter with your COPD nurse when you next go as a comparison.

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