Low Oxygen Saturation Level

[Fred's Dad]

Wondering if anyone has experienced low oxygen saturation levels?  I went to a pulmonary specialist for a consult on sleep apenea.  Took the pulse, blood pressure, etc. and then said "ohhh your oxygen saturation level is 84%.  Kind of low."  He then set me up for a sleep study.  Anyone else experience the same?

[suffer]

pete what's your email address? i have similar problem as yours with central chest pain during inhalation and continous progressive breathing problem for over 1.5 years and lots of other symptoms. please do drop me a line my email address ***@****

-Zoe

[kimhutcheson]

My father-in-law just had the same reading.  The Dr ordered a pulse-ox monitor to be brought out by a nurse, and he wore it all night.  Then nurse came and picked it up the next day.  Today they brought oxygen out and he wears it during sleeping hours to help him feel better.  
Check with your Dr, ask him or her about your concerns and how you feel.

[entrepeneur]

I too had a low oxygen level reading of 84. My dr immediately put me in the hospital to be monitored. I stayed overnight with intravenous and the whole nine yards. I did have a lung infection at the time. The reason being is I have copd. From what I understand it used to be that 90 was acceptable for an oxygen reading depending on whether you have lung problems smoke etc. Now they want your reading to be 100. That is for a normal person who is in excellent condition non smoker etc. Remember your oxygen level does go up and down daily like your blood pressure depending on your activity level. The point of the reading is if it goes down it comes back up to an acceptable reading 90 preferably or more.YOu don't want a constant low reading. I went to rehab for exercises to improve lung function and was monitored and the oxygen level would go down and up depending on what I was doing at the time. So now the bottom line is you want an acceptable blood pressure and oxygen reading when you are checked. Just one more thing to worry about.

[BILL13]

I have low oxygen saturation (88-93).  So far I have taken pulmonary function test, blood work, Chest CT scan, heart echo and another sleep test.  i have heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea.

I am not sure what is happening.  I am short of breath and sleeply all the time.  Everybody seems like I should be on oxygen but my doctor is first trying to find out why I have low oxygen saturation.

Any ideas what is going on?

Bill

[teigan]

HI NOT TO WORRY YOU OR ANYTHING, but your sleepiness is a sign of lack of energy and oxygen, shortness of breath is deffinatley to do with your heart disease and lungs, as you have heart disease you heart has to work faster than normal which will make you more out of breathe! have you been checked out for copd? have you had time in hospital treatment and had your blood gases done at all?i dont see 88/93% been that low, my dad has copd his sats go to 59% now thats something to worry about

[starion]

It is BAD for your body to have oxygen saturation levels below 90% for an extended period of time, as it stresses your body and organs, including your heart.  Under Medicare & most insurers in the US, you qualify for supplemental O2 if your oxygen saturation levels drop to 88% or lower during sleep, exertion or sitting.  Your doctor should prescribe it & you should use it as prescribed.

Folks who have sleep apnea need a device/machine such as a bi-pap or c-pap to help keep their airway open while they sleep and may not need supplemental oxygen.  A good sleep clinic should be able to test to be sure that you have the device that keeps your oxygen at or above 90% and any needed supplemental oxygen.

Losing a significant amount of weight (10%) in overweight patients may help with sleep apnea.  The sleep clinic or physicians may have additional suggestions.

Saturation levels between 95-100% at sea level are considered "normal."  At 5000 feet elevation, oxygen saturation rates between 90-95% are considered "normal."  Saturation levels can & do fluctuate a bit, but should still be maintained at or above 90%.  During infections, it is possible for patients to need supplemental oxygen and once the infection is over no longer need it, but that's something the doctor needs to decide.

It is not normal for folks with healthy lungs to have trouble keeping their oxygen saturation level above 95 % all of the time and the root cause definitely needs to be explored.  Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, sleep apnea are all some reasons folks have trouble keeping their saturation levels at or above 90%; your doctor can help sort all of this out if you persist and work with him/her.

[Kaia RN]

Hi, I just wanted to put my 2 bits in.    To me, 84-88% oxygen sats is pretty low.  According to what we've been told 96 or above is normal, usually 98+ but then 92-95 can be dead normal if you are elderly or chronically diseased in some way (emphysema, heart disease, sleep apnoea etc etc.)  So yeah, below 90 is a worry, the doctors are probably so used to it that they don't react anymore!

The other thing I wanted to say was with supplementing oxygen, this can be problematic when emphysema is involved.  Usually, when our brain detects high levels of carbon dioxide, it triggers us to breathe.  However, people with emphysema operate differently.  because they retain so much CO2 (as they can't fully empty their lungs), their brain's signal to breathe is low levels of oxygen (rather than high CO2).  This can be problematic when supplementing oxygen therapy as it can have the opposite effect.  I can see that causing arguments between a doctor and someone who desperately needs oxygen!

[RGreen454ss]

My Wife is currently in the hospital for the 3rd time in the last 3 years for low O2 Saturation. The only time this happens is when she gets a cold. Doctors can't seem to figure it out and each time she goes she gets diagnosed with something else. When I took her to the ER yesterday, her O2 Sat. was 84% and her HR was 154. The last time she was at the hospital she was there for 6 days and was released when her O2 Sat. was 94 without Oxygen. Has anyone dealt with this situation? My E-mail address is ***@****. Thank you for any replies.

[[e-mail]]

What else can this be? 6 months ago, my 62 year young twin went to have a shingles shot. Her GP did routine blood tests and called at 8:30 at night to have her undergo phlubotomy. SHE HAS ABSOLUTELY NO SYMPTIOMS EXCEPT THE OXYGEN/diffusion - NO TIREDNESS,COUGHING,WHEEZING,SELLING IN ANKLES, CHEST PAIN,SHORTNESS OF BREATH.,Hemotologist did 1 1/2 months of testing and said not in blood, bone marrow, etc. Oxygen saturation was LOW, so placed on oxygen 24/7.   Blood gasses reflection low 02 and low CO2. Size of blood cells dropped below 50.  Sent to Pulmonologist. Low diffusion and saturation suggested COPD, but her lung function was 115% of normal (so very mild) Put on Advair and Spyriva...1 month later, diffusion dropped! But lungs were always clear, functioning at over 100%.  Sent for every test you can imagine - from CT angiogram, etc. to CT chest - no shunts, no embolisms, fibrosis,etc. Oxygen level at night 98% (no not apnea). After two ecocardiograms and a 5 bubble echos-no hole in heart. Pulminologist has ruled out COPD as a major factor due to her excellent lung function (lungs are very elastic, etc.) .  If it isn't her lungs, her bone marrow, or her heart, what elso can it be?
Remember it isn't a shut...she's been checked from her brain to her toes and all major organs...Help!

[WordGamer]

Could be something related to your heart too and not your lungs. If your heart isn't pumping effectively you could have low oxygen levels as well.

[raidermom74]

My 20 yr. ld daughter had her oxygen level tested at nursing school and it read a 91 first and then a 93.  They asked her if she smoked and she never has.  She is an avid runner and does cardio everyday.  She works in a fitness gym and is in perfect shape.  Should I be concerned?  What is a normal reading for this age?  Please let me know.

[andrea5]

I am 46 years old and have been in excellent health until recently.  I am a runner, swimmer, and I lift weights 2-3 times a week.  Running 3-4 miles 3-4 days a week.  Recently my running has become difficult due to shortness of breath.  I had a stress test.  Heart was O.K. but my oxygen saturation dropped to 87 upon exertion after 12 min. on the treadmill at a pretty steep grade.  Anyone else out there my age with this going on?  I do not have chronic bronchitis and am a non-smoker.

[cabeachgal]

Get the serum iron and ferriten levels checked.  A low oxygen level could be due to low iron that's NOT always detected by a HGB or HCT reading on a routine blood check and Dr's. don't usually run these tests. Also anxiety can lower your reading as well.  These saturation tests measure the amount of hemoglobin (oxygenated cells) that are flowing through your bloodstream.

Even with iron treatment the sats may be low, but that's where the anxiety level may be coming in, whether the fingers were cold when the test is taken, or various other factors.  I have a problem with iron where my body doesn't want to store it so I have to take an iron supplement daily.  

If you check your iron and everything is normal then you might want to check with a pulmonologist or another Dr. to be sure you don't have sleep apnea or a mild case of asthma, which these can also cause lower sats.

[banjo7]

  I had the sleep apnia (apnea) test done. I was fine there but my oxgen level was 85. I now sleep with oxygen level No 2. I guess 2 liters. I slept great the 2nd night but now I am not and feel terrible I get up. I am a smoker and know I should quit but that is easier said then done. Is it the smoking that makes me feel so bad. No energy and I feel funny. I am 73 and felt better except for shortness of breath and taking naps before all this. I am also nauseaded. Help !

[Tipplelady]

[pattimarzano]

I have Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.  The only way this can be diagnosed is by Right or Left Heart Catheterization.  It is a lung disease that results in right heart failure if left untreated.  It can be Primary or Secondary to something else that is going on.  My O2 levels are always 85 and below on room air.  I am on O2 24/7 at 3L and at 4L at night.  I have no sleep apnia (apnea).  My symptoms were shortness of breath on limited excercise, like climbing stairs or walking across the room.  Rapid heart beat.  Heaviness in my chest.  If you suspect you have this, PLEASE consult your doctor.  It is a killer.  It is high blood pressure in the lungs and high pressure in the pulmonary artery only.

[snelbert]

My Mother is 59yrs old. She has diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. She was diagnosed with pneumonia on 7/29/07 after being seen in ER for a high fever. She had no other symptoms at that time. Was given Z-Pak and sent home. Shortly after starting Z-Pak she starting coughing and aching all over and wheezing.  Over the last 3 months, she has been given Z-Pak 2 times, Keflex, Claritin, Mucinex, Advair and she is still not any better. Mucinex did loosen up phlem(sp) and has gotten up quite a bit of thick green phlem(sp), she was told that was her problem. On 10/29/07 she still was not better, if fact she has gotten worse over the past few weeks. That night she coughed so hard she turned purple. I took her to ER where her oxygen saturation was 82%,she was admitted and has been given several test including CT scan of Lungs, Pulminary Function Test and UltraSound of Legs to see if she has blood clots. She was put on O2 24/7, that night her breathing became more labored and O2 was put up to 6L and oxygen sat was 78%. She has gotten worse over the last few hours and now O2 is on 9L and oxygen sat is 75%. Does anyone know what the cause of this could be? The Doctors are not even sure what is causing this. Please help. Thanks

[caregiver222]

Okey dokey. There are several possible etiologies.It is necessary to know blood pressure and pulse rate to make any sort of comment. In the right and left carotid arteries there are two (count em) sensors, which provide feedback that controls the breathing and heart rate to produce an acceptable P02 level.  They also sense C02.  A failure of these sensors is a primary cause of low P02. Often these sensors become covered with fatty deposits, or become inactivated through constant excessive smoking. An ultrasound will sometimes (but not always) identify this anomaly. There are surgical and pharmaceutical options. There are several other possibilities. I would suggest getting a pulse oximeter (about$200) and then take an"albuterol challenger". A mean of differential diagnosis for those physicians who did not attend medical school in the Trobriand Islands. Spray an albuterol inhaler into the lungs and see if there is a significant increase in P02. This would suggest the problem is in the blood transfer mechanism in the lungs.

[snelbert]

Early this morning after posting this about my mother, I got called by her Nurse. My mother was admitted into ICU, her oxygen stat continued dropping, even with O2 on 9L. She is now on 100% oxygen 16L I believe, her oxygen stat is going up and down between 84-92, which is better. She is a non-smoker. Her pulse is 52, and her blood pressure is 139/72. Any ideas? Thanks

[jennyP]

I am 30 and had a cold about 6 weeks ago, and was having shortness of breath.  My resting oxygen sats are 93-96, but they did a bunch of tests including an echo, CT scan, pulmonary function tests, and chest xray.  They think I have COPD or emphysema.  I am freaking out.  My sats drop to high 80's during exertion, but they think this is very rare for my age.  I am exploring some holistic methods of treatment, I am still not convinced that I have emphysema..I have always been very active, and I think the stress of the doctors is making my condition as bad as it is!

[trudicv]

My doctor told me this week that my saturation level was 77.  I have has a soft, persistant ache in my heart for months now. I have asked my own primary care provider for an extensive evaluation of my heart and she reluctantly ordered a full exam next week. " I don't think this has anything to do with your heart.  If it doesn't then we will have to look into other possibilities." she said.  If it doesn't then we will have to look into other possibilities.  I am very, very anxious about this as I have severe sleep apnea and my husband is not supportive.  It has helped me a lot just to read the comments of others.  Trudi

[Sunny602]

I am glad that your doctor finally relented to doing tests on your heart. What tests did she order (hopefully a stress test and echo are included in them!). As for other considerations, a full PFT (pulmonary function test) should be done with at least an xray to begin with. This could easily be lungs or heart, even both. That ache in your heart could mean that there isn't enough oxygen going to that organ, it is starving for O2. Did your doctor put you on O2 based on those sats? I sure hope so....77 is pretty low.
Be very persistant with your doc, it is in your best interest to be your own best health advocate. IF she doesn't take you seriously, then it is time to find another doctor.
I am sorry that your husband isn't very supportive, I understand how you feel. My ex was not even close to being in my corner when I was going though all that I was....going on O2, then BiPAP and finally vented. Do you have family members or close friends that you can lean on during periods of uncertainty and anxiety?
One more question...are you being treated for your sleep apnea with either a CPAP or BiPAP. You probably are...I am wondering if you keep your sats up at nightime these days even with CPAP. Something to consider...
I hope that you get answers soon...Sunny

[irishr8911]

I suddenly became very sick mid december 2007 with short of breath my O2 was 57. I was at my docs office and she called an ambulance and I was admitted to the ICU for 4 days. I was put on 24/7 O2 which seems to help a bit. I have an underlying history of a heart arrythmia and also a blood clotting disorder Protein C/S deficiency. I was referred to a pulmonary doctor who is frustrated because I am not getting better even while being on a multitude of drugs. Also, because he feels I have COPD  but am not responding as he thought I would. I am pressing for another opinon since I was told I am already in end-stages of COPD and Right Heart Failure. My pulmo doctor isn't in agreement and thinks I should try more drugs and make more tests. Anyone else going through this?
Please let me know..
P

[cben]

I am a 46 yr old male I quit smoking 6 yrs ago smoked 2 packs a day like an idiot for 28 yrs. No offense to any still smoking. I quit smoking because I felt like I couldn't get a deep breath but every 5/6 breath.I waited until July 2007 to finally go to the doctor. My mother and brother have asthma and my Dr said I had it also. He also ordered a sleep study. I was told I had a mild cause of apnea. I have been using a c-pap and have lost 35 lbs  (down to 280 lbs). I understand the weight thing is not good. I took upon myself to get a oxgen  meter and have found my levels have dropped lowest 83 %  without  88% with c-pap. I have been walking 3 miles a day EVERY DAY and am determined to take the weight off. Shouldn't I be seeing some improvement. I have also had stress test ,lung function test and they came back great.  Blood Pressure runs 125/68 to 130/ 72 Pulse rates 59  to 68. I feel great but am concerned about low O2 levels. Sorry for long question but I have gotten conflicting reports from 3 Dr's. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

    

[Sunny602]

Are those levels low while you are doing anything such as walking? Or is this at rest? Either way, it wouldn't hurt to relay your findings to your doctor who might do an overnight oximetry test (monitors your O2 level the entire night) with CPAP on. If your levels are consitantly low, then you might need O2 bleed in with your CPAP. If your levels are low when you exercise, have the doctors monitor your oxygen levels while on a treadmill for a minimum of 6 minutes. Again, if the levels remain low, they may prescribe the O2. I am very happy to see that you have quit and are taking such an initiative in regaining your health and fitness..I know how hard that is to do. Over time, hopefully after you have dropped some more weight, your sleep apnea will get better. I have seen people come off of CPAP after significant weight loss, so please keep up the good work.
Hpe this helps...Sunny

[mommyloves]

Is this during the day that the O2 level drops or at night?  I had a sleep study done a month ago.  My neurologist told me that my O2 level dropped to 87% in the night so ordered another sleep study this time with a CPAP mask on.  Can't wait. :(  

[mandy351]

My husband gets really short of breath of a night.  He has high blood pressure and high cholesterol, but takes medication for it.  He gets little sharp pains in his chest.  He says it feels like something is sitting on his chest and he can't get a deep breath.  He has had multiple blood tests done, which have all been fairly good.  Do you have any ideas or suggestions of what the prob could be?  If you could assist me in any way, it would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[lovinjay]

I had a sleep apnea test done last week, and then a nap study the next day.  The tech came in after the night study and said, "We really didn't notice anything abnormal.  And besides, you don't look like the typical sleep apnea patient" (I'm 5'2" and 103lbs).  So I left assuming that I'd never figure out why I have felt the constant need for naps and extra sleep every since I was a teenager (I'm now 32).  I didn't even call the Dr.'s office to find out the "official" results.

Today, however, the Dr's office called and said that they wanted to do a second sleep study because I had 50 episodes of hypopnea and hypoxia--that my O2 saturation had gone as low as 81%.

I really hope and pray that I get some answers after this 2nd study.  After about 17 years, I'm desperate to feel rested and productive!

[ahlanders]

You are correct.  I have undergone every type of test imagineable and was not diagnosed properly until I had a right heart catheterization (Left heart catheterization will not reveal).  When I walked any distance (50 - 100 feet) my oxygen would drop to 84 - I know now that I have pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to diastolic dysfunction and am on oxygen both day and night.

Now my greatest challenge is how to do the housework I need to do without falling over the tubing.

[GrammaJules]

What you need to get is helios, it is a liquid oxygen that is in a very light weight unit and it has a strap like a purse.  If your O2 provider has not given you one of these, request it, if they don't have it, find out who does.  I know that Lincare is all over the place and they carry it.  My husband has the large liquid unit that he gets his O2 from strictly for portable and then he has the concentrator.  We actually have three tubes we use for the concentrator, the one to his bi-pap, he has a bleed in of O2 at night, he has one that goes downstairs, we keep the tubing at the top of the stairs, and he has one for upstairs.  He actually doesn't need oxygen when sitting, so most of his daytime oxygen is the helios.  The helios is a pulse, and some people have to have a constant flow.  Good luck.

[lovemylabs]

Help!

I am a 42 year old female that has never smoked but started having problems with my breathing in 2005 went to pulmonary doctor they found nothing. As the years passed it has got worse so I went to a new family doctor who sent me to a cardiologist he did a work up on my heart found nothing until he did a stress test on a treadmill with the oxygen meter and my oxygen drop in the first phase, they made me stay on for 8 minutes in which my oxygen dropped to 71, he did a CT of the heart, CA and found nothing and he told me Friday nothing is wrong with the heart he can't help me. He didn't even tell me anything new to go try or what I should do next. So please anyone give me suggestions I feel like giving up I am out of breath, tired all the time, headaches, muscle sore, and overall feel bad.

Tammy

[deniese]

Actually you should keep inquirying about this. Personally it sounds like you need to be on 02. Maybe I'm wrong, but my 02 drop when I exercise as well, but I do have a heart and lung disorder, but even so they claim that it's mild.  So get another opinion.

[nursing2011]

esp update about mother...SpO2 levels should be between 90-100. Hospital standards vary, so it is also said to be in range of 95-100. Some hospitals don't start treatment unless you're under SpO2 of 85. Some start at 90. Your mother's pulse of 52 is low, could be related to oxygen level. The pulse should range between 60-100 bpm (beats per min) Her systolic BP (top number of blood pressure) is high, so she's pre-hypertensive. Blood pressure should be less than 120/80. 120-139 is pre-hypertensive, 140+ is hypertensive. Diastolic less than 80 is normal. Over 80 is pre-hypertensive. Her diastolic is lower than 80, so that means that the relaxation phase of the heart contraction is normal. Her systolic BP is high, so her heart is having to pump harder. Problem could be from low SpO2 b/c of the lack of oxygen being brought to the cells and the body is trying to comensate.

I'm not knowledgeable on sleep apnea and the effect it has on these measures but sleep apnea is due to a period of 10 secs or more at which there's a lack of airflow. That could definitely be related to the SpO2 level during sleep.

I am a 1st semester nursing student! Hope this helps!

[NancyB766]

  I was one of the cases that didn't fit the typical sleep apnea type.  Most snore or where heavy.  I would drop between 80-85 level.  My issue was a would breathe very shallow when asleep because I would only breathe through my nose and not open my mouth.  They said actually if I opened my mouth or used more air you may have heard a snore.  So I have a C-pap machine since I wasn't a candidate for surgery.  But with my sinus issues and allergies they said if I had my sinus cavieties roto routed out it may help.  
  But when your O2 levels drop it puts stress on your heart.  I've read where persons with sleep apnea that go untreated normally end up with heart disease.  So make sure you get it taken care of!  Better to deal with one problem then to later deal with two!  

[dobbins125]

I'm a 56 yr old NON smoker, 6' tall weighing 270# who snores.  My wife is telling me she has to wake me up so I will breath.

For about 3 or 4 nights I've sleep with a heart / O2 monitor to see what is happening.  (My wife is a nurse and has access to this machine...she would call it something else but I hope I described it so you can figure out what it is.)  My O2 level will drop while sleeping,  ONE time last night to the high seventies....but probably averages 90....most of the time O2 runs in the low 90's.

My heart rate goes to a low of 47 BPM....

My medications are lisinopril and generic for celexa.  I take some OTC for cholestrol levels, etc.  

About 25 yr ago I had paracarditis (sp?) was in hosp with O2/pulse monitor during the night.  I was told that my BPM would get down to 40ish.  I understood that was due to a healthy heart.  I don't know whether that was true or not....but thought this might give a base line for previous pulse reading.

I would like your suggestions regarding possibly raising my the head of my bed?  Or any other suggestions or questions you have for me.
--

[armyranger]

I live here inLincoln  Missouri. When I returned from Iraq, I observed my son struggling to breath as he slept. On Nov 9, 2008 I connected him to an Oximeter and the results were very bad.  My son is six years old.  Sleep APnea, and all signs of congested airway.  His Pediatrion and his mother are ignoring my sons sickness. CHildren who do not get proper treatment may have long term heart desease and or lung problems. One of his edsaturation levels was 60% one was 88% for over three minutes. I have contacted my state rep, governor, senator, etc etc.  I have contacted the news, talk shows etc

My sons health is in danger. If he dies or has long term illness from a lack of proper medical care that would kill me. My contact info is below

E-mail is  ***@****
phone is 660-547-3048 phone or cell is  660-723-4044
www.myspace.com/armyrangerarmyranger

[skybluepink]

I have had abnormal EEG  in my 20's- petit mal? sleep studies now in my 60's  & apnea in normal range diagnosed 2 years ago  when I also  had cardiac arrest due to oxygen not getting to major organs & brain ? I suspect stroke or multi infart dementia will happen next . Do the cardiologists and neurologist want to know ? Suspect not as ignore  just as ischaemic signalling and stroke symptons ignored before cardiac . Am comotosing daily on eating then extremely weak and confused  which is a problem if dependent on car.But the system says old age  and can't do anything . Has anyone heard of research?

[SAM920]

Wow, this is all very informative! I've learned a lot from the postings already.

I'm 66. I've got apnea at night and I have low O2 saturation levels when I move around. Sat level while I'm sitting can be 90 or above, but with any motion or walking it goes down to below 85. I started on portable oxygen about a year ago so I can go shopping and move around my yard.

I bought a rolling walker, called a "Rollator". This is great and allows me to walk more and go shopping more. It has a seat on it, and when I get tired, I can sit down and rest. It cost only $149 and is rated at 300 pounds. I'm about 259 pounds, from lack of exercise during the past several years. Instead of buying an expensive Oxygen tank bag for the Rollator, I use a WalMart $1.00 cloth shopping bag that works just fine. I hang a couple of extra of these bags on the walker to shop with.

I'm going to buy a second Rollator to leave in my front yard, under a plastic cover, so I can go out my front door and walk around my yard, without having to go to the trouble of taking the other walker out of the trunk of my car. I can walk around a little with the Rollator, without the portable oxygen tank. And I can walk much more with the oxygen tank. I recommend a Rollator to people to help them walk better while on portable oxygen.

[SAM920]

At age 66 and low oxygen sat, I've had some problems with confusion at times... like "where am I, what town is this" (lol) Also some memory problems. I talked one of my doctors to prescribing Ritalin. This helps sharpen my mind. It must be used with care and not over-used. I take minimum doses when I need to drive into town, 5 mg taken an hour or two before I leave home, and another 5 mg when I start out. It helps me be more alert and less confused. :) Some doctors don't like to prescribe it, since it can become addictive. But also there are other meds that can help cut down on the confusion. You need to see a doctor about some early-stage Alzheimer's tests. Don't be afraid of it. There are other new medications that can help treat the confusion and memory loss.

[lastlap]

84 for a low 02 is good compared to what I get. I use oxygen 24/7. I still work, so at times I take off the oxygen. It will go as low as 67 and build up to low 70's. In order for it to et higher, I need to put the oxygen on. I have PAH (pulmonary aterial hypertension) and the meds I am on appear to be working but I can't seem to get the oxygen to improve. My doctor;s and I are working on it. I hope things work out for you.

[lastlap]

when you find out what is causing the low 02 sats, please let me know.

[rissypoo]

I'm a 30 yr old female, non-smoker, and have recently noticed shortness of breath with an oxygen saturation fluctuating between 93-97 with 94 being the average.  This started Monday when I awoke with a horrible pain behind my left thigh.  The pain radiated into my left heel.  I went to the ER and was given the diagnosis of "Sciatica."  The pain has since traveled and is in my left groin and left calf.  CT scans and ultrasound of left leg are normal, but the pain is still there as well as the shortness of breath.  Some say that anything 90 and over is normal and others say 95 and over is normal.  I see my GP doctor tomorrow to discuss the oxygen saturation levels but I have to admit I'm very anxious from all this.   Before Monday, my oxygen saturation has always been 97-100.  Anyone who can relate or share any information would be greatly appreciated.

[ruthven78]

Wow a lot of misinformation going on in this thread.  First let me tell you I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

Oxygen saturations (SpO2), which is measured using a pulse oximeter, should be 90 or above.  This is a percentage of your red blood cells that have oxygen bound to them.  When being given supplimental oxygen, and a patient starts showing SpO2 levels of say 96-100 then we (the RTs) being weaning the extra oxygen off as tolerated until we get the patient to regular room air.  Any saturation under 90 is considered abnormal for which any reading 88 or lower is usually when medicare (and other insurance) will reimburse for home oxygen (but not in the cases of sleep apnea).

caregiver222 is incorrect.  He is talking about the chemoreceptors of oxygen and carbon dioxide which both play a role in our brain's respiratory drive.  Having low oxygen has NOTHING to do with these receptors.  Low O2 is usually caused by a defect in the lungs.  There are many different types and wouldnt do anyone just to go into full length.  Sometimes is from gunk in the lungs called sputum like in cases of pneumonia, othertimes its due to poor air flow in and out such as in COPD (emphysema and such), severe asthma, etc. other times you could have a small clot in the blood vessels of your lungs called a pulmonary embolus, you could have fluid in your lungs from congestive heart failure.  When you have extra junk in your lungs like with pneumonia, that creates addition space the oxygen molecules ahve to go through to get to your blood stream.

Very few people will be 98-100 on regular room air, my own swings between 94-96. Dont sweat if your norm for a week is 97 and then you check it and its 93.....its all good.

When your oxygen saturation starts to go low, your bodies first response will be to INCREASE the heart rate.  This is because it is trying to get the same amount of oxygen around to the rest of your body.  And since the O2 is lower, it has to move more blood, in order to get the same amount.  You probably wont even notice a change in HR even in the 80's, your lips and nailbeds wont start turning blue (cyanosis) until your SpO2 is in the 70-75% range...

If you go to a doc and find your SpO2 is 88% or less and they do not treat it, go see another doctor!  Oxygen isnt just vital for your heart, it is used by every tissue in your body from your skin, brain, muscles, etc.

People who are anemic however may show nice pink lips, have a SpO2 of 98%, but have so very few red blood cells that there is a deficiency in getting enough blood to your entire body (not meant to scare anyone)...just for those who may ask "my spo2 is 100, why do I have to wear oxygen?"....its probably cause your anemic.

Now with all that being said, I've been paged to many a patient's room for low saturations many times and find that the nurse or nurse's aid is using the oximeter incorrectly, or the oximeter isnt getting a good reading.  Sometimes people's fingers might be cold which shrinks the capilaries where the oximeter is reading the blood, or they just have poor perfusion of blood to those areas, etc.

So remember, if in a hospital and in doubt, ask for a RESPIRATORY THERAPIST!  Oxygen, breathing, ventilators, breathing treatments, lung disorders.....we specialize in those areas...nurses are the jack of all trades but when it comes to respiratory stuff we are the kings!  (not just being egocentric either)

If you are at a clinic or doctors office and they arent addressing your breathing or oxygen, then go see a pulmonologist.....if a general physician is the doctor equivalent to a nurse, a pulmonologist is the doctor equivalent of a respiratory therapist.....they are doctors who specialize in the lungs.  Im a firm believer in specialists...heart problems, see a cardiologist, stomach or intestine problems, see a gastroenterologist, eye problems see a optitrician, so lung problems, see a pulmonologist.

People who mentioned sleep apnea, if you have an average of 15 or more apneas (or hyponeas aka AHI) per hour then you are at an increased cardiac risk and should try your very hardest to use a CPAP....it took me a month before I finally got used to wearing it and I have an AHI of 16 considered to be mild borderline moderate apnea.  Not only that but your daytime sleepiness will go down or away completely, and also look up microsleeps.....have been known to cause accidents, one notibly was a subway train accident in new york....

[howdy1242]

I have COPD ,you are correct.My primary Phy.did not catch my COPD.
I am a diebetic and have heart failure also.
I had a problem getting air volume in Utah on a visit and was sent to emegency.An pulminary dr had exrays taken and lung tests results told me I had COPD.
At nite my o2 drops below 90 .and my heart begins to race. On medicare HMO my primary Phys.is in charge and refuses to get me Oxy.I am in the process of changing HMO's

[wretch]

Does anyonen have any recommendations about finger oximeters?  I did a little research online, it seems the NONIN 9500 is sort of the standard by which all others go by?  It is around $240.   I have also seen models by pulseox and CHECKMATE, but I see mixed reviews on those, and am seeing comments by doctors and nurses that the readings they give don't match medical equipment readings.  Was just wondering if anyone had recommendations.  

Also, with the finger oximeter, if I leave it on while sleeping can I look at readings it gave while I was asleep, or can I only do spotchecks when I am awake?

[GCorky]

I am 73, haven't smoked in 40+ years, had six bypasses in May 2006 can walk 1.5 miles on relatively level ground with little trouble. Within last year ort so I seem to have shortness of breath on slight hills and really out of breath in two flights of stairs. Legs & butt really feeling tired.
Sent for echo stress & doc inferred heart was working well but there seemed real concern about shortness of breath-he questioned my smoking 40 yrears ago. MY doc hasn't responded to this echo stress report yet, I am really concerned but don't know where to turn, thought I was doing well NOW not sure

[ferretfuzzy]

I'm going to agree with Ruthven78. Here's what I had recently gone through. I do have COPD, also Raynauds. My MD sent me to a pulmonary spec. and he used the oximeter and my reading dropped from 97 at rest to 82 (jogging down the hallway, duh). At the time my hands/fingers were VERY cold.  As such he wrote a script for 02, which my insurance would not cover, so I did not get. BUT I did get a good oximeter. When my hands are warm, not nervous, my readings are 96 at rest and 90-93 after moving furniture, exercising, etc. But haven't jogged since docs visit!! I have to add, I am 51 and still working, I deliver home heating oil, and yes, at times I get very short of breath with long hose drags and bitter cold temps.

[wa5rlb]

You've helped me understand a lot of my issues.  Thanks very much for your Jan 24 08 feed.  I recently had a CT scan followed by my
pcp, an internist,  advised I have pulminary fibrosis.  My Pulminologist ordered the CT but he made no mention of the lung problem found in the scan.  I've ordered a fingertip oximeter to keep track of the O2 level.

Thanks again for your input.
wa5rlb

[winternightwings]

I'm 27 years old, somewhat overweight, but relatively physically active. I've got asthma, but it's never caused me much of a problem - reactive to chemicals, but not so much to physical activity (unless it's very cold outside).
I had a baby three months ago, and at that time my o2 was at about 93-94, which has always been normal for me.
Two weeks ago I was having severe shortness of breath, along with a 103+ degree fever and some nausea and vomiting. I went to my GP and my o2 was around 85, and went up to 91-92 with deep breathing. He sent me home with another albuterol inhaler, but also ordered an overnight oximetry study. He suggested that I might need to go on a daily asthma medication, but did not want to do that straightaway because of the steroidal transference through breastmilk.
I did the overnight study, and my o2 was down around 68 and never got higher than 80, so I've been prescribed 2L oxygen overnight.

I don't have any tightness in my chest, which is usually an issue when the asthma is causing problems. I feel fairly decent, except that I'm always dead-tired and frequently headachey. Until all of this, I had assumed that that was because I'm breastfeeding an infant!

Certainly not looking for a diagnosis, but any ideas on possible causes of such low sats in an otherwise healthy, non-smoking (never smoked), moderately active 27 year old female? Also - what can I do to try to rectify this situation? I certainly know that losing 30lbs will probably help immensely, but aside from the baby weight gain, which I lost within three weeks of his birth, my weight has been steady for the last five years, so I don't know why it would suddenly be such an issue.

Thanks so much!

[offerkindness]

I am a healthy 58 yo woman.  I am of normal weight.  I was dx with sleep apnea and tried to use a CPAP, but could not adapt. My husband is a Doctor and said that, at times, I don't breath for up to 50 seconds. (He wakes me up a lot!) My pulmonologist ordered an overnight pulse oximeter test.  My O2 levels dropped to 60!!!! She is worried about me getting pulmonary hypertension and put me on 2 liters of O2 via nasal cannual beginning tonight. I am worried that I won't be able to tolerate that even. (For the CPAP I tried for a whole week - twice and absolutely could not sleep.) I do have PTSD. Has anyone had  bimaxillary advancement surgery?

[ferretfuzzy]

Not wanting to put down the doc, but I also had the same situation about 3 months ago. Pulm. doc literally almost ran be up and down the hall and said , oh your 02 dropped to 83. Mmmm, don't run for a living. So, he wanted me to go on 02 and quit my job! ! ! !
Needless to say, my insurance would not pay for the 02, so I purchased an oximeter to keep track of my levels. I did not quit my job, delivering home heating oil. My reg. md, added spiriva to my advair. My lowest 02 now was 92, that was after working! ! ! ! My normal is 95-98. And he wanted me to go on disability? I would never have been approved. They also wanted to do a sleep test, I told them forget it. My levels have been fine.  

This was my 2 cents worth.

[vanty]

I have  emphysema ,and am always searching for more information on this sight, especially about oxygen sats,I would just like to say' thank you' for your very informative post, it has cleared up many problematic questions that I haven't been able to find answers to.

[alley60]

I have previously been diagnosed with heart failure, but now is considered non-existant to mild. I have had beathing problems and a sleep study was done. My oygen levels dropped to 59% during rim sleep. I have just gotten a CPAP  machine. Will I also need oxygen? What does this mean? Thank you.

[jennifer090200]

So many of these symptoms are so familiar...........something some of you may check into is Sarcoidosis. I had the oxygen issues, shortnessof breath, puemonia that wouldn't get better, weight loss, fatigue, sleep apnea issues and was finally diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, which usually isn't diagnosed except by accident or by xray following a bad lung illness. Some of you may check into this for answers, it took several hospital stays, lots of meds, a lung biopsy and lots of tests to finally run this down for me, but I feel the diagnosis probably spared my life.

[alanb871]

I'm on a CPAP machine for 12 years because of sleep Apnea. I also have Sarcoidosis. I feel fine. I just a letter from my pulmonary doctor asking me to see him based upon my most recent CPAP readings.

Should I be concerned? This is the first time I ever got a letter.

[dave699]

I have: sleep apnea, hypertension, traumatic asthma, one stint and one other 50% clogged small artery, I use a CPaP, I have chronic bronchitis
August 09, I started having shortness of breath-asthma attacks-I was on symbacort, stopped, OCT. 09, hospitalized 3 times-no motility in esophagus and achalasia-I lost 30 #s unable to eat or drink. Later in OCT, I was diagnosed with rabdomylosis-cause medication while hospitalized-renal failure resulted.
Nov. 09, started to have shortness of breath-metered exhaling was 2/3 of normal, chest x-ray is clear. Eventually put on nebulizer and advair. Breathing was easier. BP was strange-no longer controlled: systolic 130-208, diastolic stayed 75-79, Heart rate-102-151b/m. Put on new bp med-previous med (beta blocker was thought to be cause of breathing prob., HR-74-115 went down, bp still high systolic with diastolic now 69-92, O2 saturation test done at night with and without CPAP, then I did one during the day when I was dizzy. In all cases it was 100-77% up and down every few minutes sitting, standing , laying and with exercise. Right before, I had a constant rash on my face and neck-I thught it was BP-then it went all over my body, my skin burned and itched. I was put on oxygen at night-waiting for day o2.
Any suggestions, I'm called olpoohky and can be found at ya and hoo, please contact

[dave699]

I am also anemic and have a high CO2 level with recent low renal function having blood result indicating renal failure/hugh protein levels in the blood and other readings are abnormal

[carebearmk]

i had an echocardiogram which showed a heart valve leak and pulomanary hypertension ...i have had shortness of breath...almost passing out swollen legs and ankles,extreme fatigue ,and chest pains and a weight feeling on my chest...i started physio i went on the treadmill on level ground...was suppose to be for 5 mins at the lowest speed 0.5...turtle speed lol...the physio therapist whipped me off at 3 mins said my heart rate went up to 120 and as soon as my heart rate went up my c02 dropped to 80 and my heart beat remaind weak the whole time even when the rate went up,which she said normally when your rate goes up the heart beats stronger she says i can not go for walks or any exersion without a monitor on and under her supervision...i am now being taken serious by my dr and being sent to a pulomanary hypertension clinic...