Connect
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.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Support Group.
Connect
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
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
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.
I 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.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
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.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions