Hypoxia

After my 1st trip to Afghanistan (2003), PO2 was 58.  Spent 11 months at walter reed with no diagnosis and released (after threat of medical discharge).  Now on my 6th deployment, symtoms (symptoms) still present but dealing with them.  Have a cronic (chronic) cough when eating hot food/drink.  Cough when I sing.  Have not been able to breath the same since Afghanistan.  Been told I have Asthma, etc.  Not very happy with military medical.  Would appreciate any assistance

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

Since they diagnosed you with asthma, did they give you any medications?  Have these helped at all?  Asthma could certainly cause a pO2 of 58 and can be very debilitating.  Often times, people need daily asthma medication as well as a rescue inhaler for times that they have an actual asthma attack.  

Do you smoke?  Emphysema is possible.  Also, a chronic bronchitis. Wish I could be more helpful, but unfortunately I can only just give you other possibilities.  Good Luck.

Bridget