Ache in chest, Temperature for 3 months. Cough up traces of blood

[EJMMMM]

60 Yr old formerly healthy male. It started 3 years ago as a chronic cough with heavy mucus from lungs possibly related to intense running. 1.5 yrs ago 10mg prednisone calmed it down but still occasional traces of blood coughed up. 3 months ago i went off prednisone and got sick with temperature and ache in middle of chest, loss of weight. Ache tends to affect my  glands in throat and GI digestion. I went back on prednisone 4 weeks ago but still have 100-101 deg. temperature and presistance ache that keeps me from sleeping at night. X-rays and CAT scan shows noduals and some gray areas. A needle biopsy showed no fungus or other problem. Numerous antibiotics over 3 years helped but never permanent and now only have only minor affect. Lung doctor can't pinpoint the problem. What could this be? and what treatment is there?

[starion]

Dear Friends,
Everything I've read & heard suggests that our oxygen level should remain at or above 90 at all times, to avoid organ (particularly heart) damage.  You need to work with your doctor to make sure that your oxygen needs are being met at all times.  Many folks with lung conditions need supplemental oxygen, particularly while sleeping and/or exercising.  I'm sure the NJC nurse will have more & better info.  There's also info about supplemental oxygen on the www.NationalJewish.org website, as a MedFact.  Best of luck!
Aloha,
Starion--thriving in HI

[Wildfire Girl]

Now I am curious, because at any given moment, my oxygen level is always on the low end, 90, 92, 88 etc.

[starion]

Dear Wildfire Girl & Friends,
I believe it is quite common for those of us with lung conditions to have oxygen saturation rates which are in the mid to lower 90s and fluctuate a bit.  I believe it's normal for everyone's oxygen levels to fluctuate a bit, depending on your exertion level and whether you're awake or asleep, as well as any breathing exercises and techniques.  As I mentioned earlier, I believe the concern is when your numbers go below 90, particularly on a regular basis.  This is when you increase your risk of permanent organ (particularly heart) damage.  I'm sure the LungLine nurse at National Jewish can provide more and better information than I have.
Aloha,
Starion--thriving in HI (with fluctuating oxygen levels)

[Wildfire Girl]

Just thought it was interesting.  I never had respiratory problems, asthma or anything.  But anytime the blood O2 is checked, it is on the low level while sleeping.

I just saw this when I surfed over because of bronchitis problems I suddenly have.

[kati2002]

I JUST CAME HOME FROM BEING TESTED FOR SLEEP APNIA (apnea). DURING THE TESTING I DID NOT NEED THE C PAC  BUT AFTERWARDS WAS TOLDD THAT MY OXYGEN LEVEL WAS 65% WHICH IS VERY LOW. IF I DON'T HAVE SLEEP APNIA (apnea) WHAT WOULD CAUSE THIS ?

[Toby Too]

To: Katie 2002

Katie, 65% Oxygen level at night is serious.  I have been on a C-Pap since 1992 and the last apnea test l 1/2 years ago my oxygen level was 80% (I am on oxygen 24 hours a day now because of lung disease).  Normally, even though they told you what your oxygen level went to during the night, they might not determine that you have sleep apnea until the doctor reads the results.  Usually, that takes a few weeks.

I hope you find out soon because such a low oxygen level puts the rest of your body under stress.

Best of luck.

[MANDM674]

Hey there from UK.  I had similar problems to you, only when I was nearby or within distance of an airport where planes flying.  I discovered extreme breathlessness to kerosene from planes.  When I am away from airport, breathing in clean air - no cough, no blood traces, no chest pains - it all disappears!!!  mysterious I know, but doctors here refuse to believe it is plane fumes and blame smoking!!!  Yes I smoke, but irrelevant for purpose because in the country clean air, I have NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER???  Tests need to be carried out on those living nearby airports.  Numerous airport staff here in UK take asthma inhalers to breathe!!!  You work it out.  Also car fumes have similar effect, check you do not live near a busy road too or run where there is alot of traffic.