puzzling SP02 - need info please

[DAL1958]

Hi. I'm 50, in pretty fair shape, and generally good health. I've always had spirometry tests varying from borderline obstruction to normal, although I'm capable of jogging 6 miles or doing 8 hour hikes without much trouble. Recently I ordered a pulse oxymeter, and find my readings are usually 95 or 96, but range from lows 90s to sometimes 97, rarely 98 at best. Right now is 95. I smoked heavily from about 17 to 22, hardly anything at all since. What puzzles me is an experiment I just did. Right before I started a recent run, my SP02 was 95/96. After a very hard (for me) 5 mile slog I put the meter on my finger and it was 96. I'm fearful that my lungs aren't in very good shape, yet then hopeful since my SP02 doesn't go down from exercise and actually hits 98% if I do any deep breathing. Question:what tests should i get, where should i go, and are my symptoms/set of facts common or uncommon to your forum guests? Thanks!!!

[alohacarrie]

Shoot, you are in good shape.  I don't think testing is what you need.  The most important thing you can do to utilize your lung volume is to practice relaxing.  All ancient forms of healing teach that relaxation and breathing are the basis of all healing.  It is good to use an oximeter though.  You never want your reading to be below 92%, ever.  If you find that you are low at night, in the morning or with exertion, then use supplemental oxygen.  Exercise with oxygen is a good idea, even before your levels are low.

Be well.

[National Jewish Health]

Your exercise capacity indicates that your lungs are healthy and working well.  The range of oxygen saturations you describe, including the low 90’s, is of no significance; are all within the normal range.  In fact, your values in the high 90’s confirm what your lungs are capable of and that is a lot.  Although the heavy smoking was long ago and for a relatively short period of time, it may have damaged a small portion of lung.  At those times when the blood flows through this small portion of lung, it may not get fully oxygenated.  If that is the case, it is still of no significance.  You do not need any more testing.  If you did, it would be spirometry, a simple breathing test, to get (or not) objective evidence of any smoking-induced airflow limitation.  Such testing would serve only to satisfy your curiosity, since you no longer smoke, which was a great decision.

Keep on running and hiking.