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Blood oxygen, feel good

Posted , 6 users are following.

maryterese
maryterese

Hi everyone,

I was recently diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. An allergy med has significantly reduced my wheezing and cough. The wheezing and cough were new anyway. I am hoping that this may improve blood oxygen levels but they have gone down. About 96-97 steady but now often go down to 92-95 especially after exercise.

The thing is that I also feel good. Chest tightness a bit but very little sob. I am concerned about the blood oxygen. Any thoughts? Thank you. Also the higher numbers are steady about half the time.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • maryterese
    maryterese

    Posted

    PS

    I forget the allergy med sometimes and still have significant improvement. I find it odd that those symptoms are almost gone (to me) yet my oxygen levels decrease at times.

  • hypercat
    hypercat maryterese

    Posted

    Hi I have mild copd and my oxygen levels often drop to around 90/92.   It is fine so don't worry.  It's only if they drop regularly to below 88 that there could be problems.  Under 84% for long periods and there is a risk that your organs can be damaged so oxygen can be required.  

    My advice is to keep an eye on yours but don't become obsessive about it as this could cause anxiety.   Bev x

    • maryterese
      maryterese hypercat

      Posted

      Thank you so much! I am obviously a worrier. I have never had them this low. I feel better after hearing from you.
    • ladyjack51
      ladyjack51 maryterese

      Posted

      I just wanted to say....check with your Dr on those blood oxygen percentages bc to me that sounds a bit low... some Dr's say anything below 88% requires oxygen and some say below 90%. I always hover around 90 to 93 while resting without oxygen. I quickly go down to maybe 85% when I exert and get SOB and very tired and have to sit down. Then it will go back up...but my point is...your organs and brain are being deprived of oxygen at 88 and you can begin to feel it for sure at that level and below. It should go up with oxygen too. Get a pulse oximeter!! It's the device you need to measure your oxygen saturation and then you'll know for yourself. Keep us posted! Ladyjack51
    • hypercat
      hypercat ladyjack51

      Posted

      Hi I did 91 at the nurses on my annual review.  She wasn't at all worried about it so I don't think a doctor would worry about 92/95.   I have been told by those on oxygen that it your level starts to go below around 88% there could be cause for concern and the doctor should be aware of this.  

      It's an excellent idea to get an oxymeter.  I have one too and keep an eye on my sats/    Bev x

       

    • ladyjack51
      ladyjack51 hypercat

      Posted

      Yes...as I said I hover between 90 to 93 at rest so I don't use my oxygen. I usually only use it when I exert a bit...maybe take it with me bc you're a bit more active when out and about.
  • hypercat
    hypercat maryterese

    Posted

    Hi on re reading your post it seems you already have an oxymeter?  Don't take the first immediate reading but wait a few seconds until it stablises itself and that is the true reading.  So if it shows 92 at first then goes up to 95 your sats are 95 at that moment.  Bev x

     

  • maryterese
    maryterese

    Posted

    Thanks to everyone for their comments!!! Very helpful!
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