racing heartbeats, low oxygen and infection

Posted by @ling @wangling, Dec 12 3:23pm

Hi community,
Does anyone have the experience of racing heartbeats and low oxygen when there is lung infection?

Many thanks!
Ling

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

@scoop

Consider replacing the batteries if you are getting erratic readings and you use it frequently. I just did that and it made a difference. During current illness I've been using it all the time.

SP02
95% - 100% Normal
90% - 94% Mild hypoxemia (monitor)
Below 90% Low oxygen levels (seek medical attention)

Resting heart rates
40-60 bpm Well-trained athletes
60-100 bpm Normal (for most adults)
>100 bpm Tachycardia (high) – may require medical attention
< 60 bpm Bradycardia (low) – unless an athlete, may require medical attention

My resting HR the other night was 118! I breathed through it. Now that the acute phase of illness is behind me (I hope) heart rate back in normal range.

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Just got it not long ago (Oximeter). Is accurate and steady for my husband but when I use it, it is all over the place. It has something to do with me I think. As to the numbers for heart rate and oxygen, I was more interested in what people with BE and chronic MAC or Pseudo etc consider THEIR norm and not norm. I know what the standards for other people are.

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@scoop

I'm going for some testing this morning but I believe I have an ordinary head cold that ended up in my chest, causing an infection. It has a very persistent cough, making sleeping challenging. There is a lot of covid, flu and RSV going around. RSV is the only one I have not been vaccinated for; immunologist said it's more of late winter/spring thing so I thought I'd wait. @wangling What's ailing you?

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I have Rare Staphylococcus aureus.
I think it is hard to get rid of, it could be the reason last time I had it, and it was not completely gone.

Ling

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@irenea8

Racing heart rate and low Oxygen is common with increased infection. I wonder what people consider a racing heartbeat? What number and the same for low Oxygen. What number do you consider too low? Does anyone else find that their Oximeter gives readings all over the place? I cannot seem to get accurate readings with it while my husband can.

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I just had a conversation with my pulmonologist.If it goes down to 89 or 90, I should let him know. Right now it is 92. He asked me to have a CT scan with contrast to find out if something else is going on if my oxygen level goes below 90. My last CT scan was in October. He said the risk is much higher for low oxygen than a ct scan. I think we probably all agree. But still a tough decision.

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I haven't bought an Oximeter but have quickly looked at them in local pharmacies in the past after being diagnosed with BE, Bronchiectasis.
On line there are many, many different ones.
Of those you who have Oximeters did you buy the ones from our local pharmacies or found a "best rated one" on line?
Decisions, decisions.
Barbara

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@sweethighland

Ling, Bactrim is tough. ARe you taking 800mg twice a day? Drink plenty of water. It is good drug and harsh on your body. I had infection and was on Levo for 14 days. I got fever on the last day with fast heart beats. Not sure flu or drug fever.

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What did you treat for? Do you remember how long the drug started to take effect? This drug seems take a little longer.

Ling

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@blm1007blm1007

I haven't bought an Oximeter but have quickly looked at them in local pharmacies in the past after being diagnosed with BE, Bronchiectasis.
On line there are many, many different ones.
Of those you who have Oximeters did you buy the ones from our local pharmacies or found a "best rated one" on line?
Decisions, decisions.
Barbara

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Walmart online. They are very basic devices. Not a lot of moving parts. Maybe $25-30. Purchased during Covid and I may have paid a premium.

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@scoop

Walmart online. They are very basic devices. Not a lot of moving parts. Maybe $25-30. Purchased during Covid and I may have paid a premium.

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my pulmonologist said the oximeters are not very accurate. I think you have to possibly spend more to get one that is highly rated and approved etc. Even those seem unreliable for my body.

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@wangling

What did you treat for? Do you remember how long the drug started to take effect? This drug seems take a little longer.

Ling

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Ling, I was treated for bacterial infection with high dose 3200mg per day. I thought I was going to die after 3 days and doctor cut the dose in half 1600mg as you are taking now. It is said to be potent and very good antibiotic; The effect starts after 3 days. Drink plenty of water and if you feel sick and nauseate, take ginger ale frequently. I also drink yogurt juice.

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@wangling my last infection ABX made me nauseous and I was given an anti-nausea, zofran.

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@irenea8

my pulmonologist said the oximeters are not very accurate. I think you have to possibly spend more to get one that is highly rated and approved etc. Even those seem unreliable for my body.

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I'm using 3-4 (from ebay) , one per finger. It takes a while, but after
1-2 min they usually agree.
I wanted one that records e.g. at night but didn't find a suitable one.

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