I started coming down with flu like symptoms this past Sunday...had a little cough and run down feeling. On Monday didn't feel much better..but as the day progressed into the evening, the coughing started getting more frequent. By midnight, I was coughing and not being able to catch my breath. Long story short, went to the hospital for the next 4 days. The Pulmonary Doctor hasn't said exactly what it is yet because of inflammation/mucous buildup etc. that we are trying to clear out with various inhalers and meds. I see him again in 3 weeks. My Oxygen count sitting or laying is 92-94 but moving around or walking, it goes down to 87-89. So...the Dr has me on oxygen (2)for when I am active which I just really hate to take!!
52 yr M, been pretty healthy, 6'0", 185lbs, great BP avg 117/70, Smoker for 30 years 1 pack a day or so of lights. I had the shortness of breath doing sometimes simple things and mucous buildup/clearing of throat. After going through what I just did, I am NOT smoking any more. Not even a consideration!! Doctor says that quitting can help to increase my lung function. I was going to be discharged from the hospital with just meds. Did the walk around and oxygen sat went down to 88...so now have oxygen treatment...borderline? The question I have is......by doing breathing exercises and other physical exercise, can this or will this process improve my Oxygen saturation level to increase? I know I will never be at 96 or higher, but if I can get my O2 level up to 92 or so when i am moving around, I will consider that a success. Thanks for any advice on best exercises too....