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COVID pneumonia Decreased gas exchange capacity How can this be cured?
covid/pneumonia onset 1/2/22 to 1/21/22, 83 yrs old. I have a little breathing problem left when in motion but not when sitting. My doctor ran some tests and the report came back saying severely decreased gas exchange capacity. How can this be cured? What kind of a doctor do I see about this and what does decreased gas exchange capacity mean?
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Use of external oxygen to help supply what is needed if your gas exchange problem is affecting your blood-brain O2. A finger oximeter would help you identify if your blood O2 is low. Low blood O2 can cause problems. Before my heart surgery and O2 replacement almost 8 years ago, which I still need while reclining or sleeping, I had memory problems for years, and in retrospect, possibly contributed to immune system problems. All the best in finding support and answers.
Lungs are vital for providing your body with fresh oxygen while ridding it of carbon dioxide. This process is called gas exchange. Gas exchange happens in individuals such as COPD and Covid-19 Pneumonia become impaired. When this happens, it's hard to provide your body with enough oxygen to support daily activities and remove enough carbon dioxide - a condition called hypercapnia.
@sandraturnbull, you may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Post COVID pneumonia on oxygen at home. How long does O2 weaning take? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-oxygen-post-covid-pneumonia/