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What should my SpO2 readings be?
First post in the group, so please be gentle. A little history. I was diagnosed with asthma as a child and have always been a little winded. Nothing was really ever done about (born 1960), SO 66 years old now (non Smoker). In 2022, I had a pulmonary study done and was referred to a small town Pulmonologist that I was not impressed with. He prescribed an inhaler, which I tried for several months but saw no improvement, so I stopped using it.
Jump forward to the current, I have had a lung infection (thought initially sinus infection). On Zpak day 4 and definitely improving. No fever now (was as high as 100.7). My phlegm (which is not much now) was a pinkish red, now turned dark red (research says that is old blood).
Scheduled to see a new Pulmonologist in mid June.
My question concerns the SpO2 readings from Pulse Oximeter. When I first put it on my left index finger, I could get low readings, like 92/93, but if I took a few deep breaths, it could shoot up to 98 (which is good). Am I reading too much into the readings at the very start? My wife did hers, and it was 98 from the start without additional breathing. Also, I feel winded a lot of the time even after walking a short distance. On a treadmill, I can walk at 2.5 mph for two miles and don't feel winded. And general comments are welcome, and thanks for the addition to the group. hope to learn a lot. BTW, I also religiously use a CPAP machine.
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Your O2 readings are very good. With my COPD I usually start the day with 88 which gradually rises to 92 before I start using supplemental oxygen to raise it higher. I need oxygen to do any exercise but not if I'm not active
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2 ReactionsWhen using the pulse oximeter don't concern yourself with the first numbers that you see. You should sit quietly for a few moments then take you reading. It takes a little time, not much to get an accurate reading.
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1 ReactionI gotta say, I check first thing in the morning, ad lately I've been struggling at 79. It gets up in the 90's if I focus on it, and I am thinking about going into the hospital, but I have an appointment soon, so trying to hold on.
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1 Reaction@kndaustin71 @bohaiboy - hear, hear. I don't mean to scare you with the following figures - I certainly scared myself, but my first readings can be as low as 80. I was diagnosed COPD and Emphysema 14 years ago and am now on a transplant list. I sit still, relax, do breathing exercises and soon I get it up to 90/91ish without oxy. Just do breathing exercises more often, they are the key.
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2 Reactions@fredandel why would you want to raise it higher than 92? Shouldnt use ocy unless below 88. (my understanding)
@lizjlb you are right. My respirologist says higher O2 levels have no therapeutic value but it seems to me that higher levels help you do more stuff
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3 ReactionsWith oxygen (2.5 liters while at rest), I am okay. However, once I start moving around, even as little as walking to the bathroom and back to my bed room, O2 level will fall into the mid 80's. Strenuous exercise make it plummet even farther. I require 4 liter/min for walking. So, anyway, your O2 levels are very good. I hope they stay just the way they are!
"Good" oxygen levels are relative to each individual situation and stage of disease.
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2 Reactions@gwp2026 That sounds exactly like mine. Doc said only a double lung transplant would fix it, so at 74, I plan on living with it best I can.
It is important to see a qualified Pulmonologist for a diagnosis. Check the background of your specialist as pulmonologists can subspecialize in different areas. Shortness of breath can be due to several things such as COPD, interstitial lung disease and cardiac issues.
As someone else commented, the first numbers of the oximeter are not necessarily you. Wait for it to reset. Sit quietly. O2 levels change depending on what you are doing. My O2 sitting is 95 and higher (normal) but goes below 90 when I stand up move around. I need O2 for exertion and sleep.