Oxygen Sats

[gbhill]

Hi,

Just wondered if someone could help me with my question please.

Why in some cases, does oxygen sats drop when you bend over (ie. tie your shoe laces etc).

Thank you for your help,

Gwen

[PastMeBest]

Hi Gwen, I don't know what is wrong with you but I have Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and I require oxygen whenever I physically exert myself.

When bending over you are compressing the lungs which in turn expels the air from them making it hard to breath. If this happens for long enough the stats would most probably drop accordingly.

I am using this example from my own experience and suggest that if this happens  to you that you seek medical advice from your own GP.

Regards John

[Hidden]

Hi breathe out just before you bend over and this will help.  x

[Billiejean_2]

As Pastmebest says, it's because your diaphragm is compressed and your lungs are squished a bit. I avoid bending over like the plague but manage to pick things up, pull on shoes, socks etc from a  sideways angle when sitting down. 

The one that defeats me completely is the bending down to  floor level in a situation like for instance, trying to get something from under the bed, or reach in to turn off a switch etc. That would result on such severe sob that the sats would just about vanish off the radar.

But there's no need to worry unduly about quick dips in sats Gwen. Anything that makes us breathless will probably result in a momentary drop but once they come back up again as you recover, it should be okay.

[scorpiolass]

I think you have some good replies here Gwen. Take care x

[James48]

You might find it easier to sit and cross each leg in turn for tying shoelaces if possible - much easier than bending down and without the breathlessness .

James

[mikeadams51]

I have severe copd and for the last few years bending down has been a real problem. I have changed my shoes for slip ons or straps. Even then sometimes i forget not to bend. I find it a question of adapting like others have suggested. Good luck

[gbhill]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I have vasculitis, and my sats drop a lot on exertion and my oxygen exchange levels are 60% of what they should be. I'm constantly breathless, especially when I talk! 

I'm waiting for an appointment with oxygen clinic this week. Sorry I don't have a definitive diagnosis yet, but I will do soon I hope.

I have a referral to the Brompton Hospital, so hoping to get some answers there.

Lovely to meet you all! 

[FarmerD]

Hi Gwen,I have very severe emphysema,Fev1 of 20%.if I put my arms above my head my lungs are stressed and sats  go down,the opposite.Any pressure on the lungs will have this effect on damaged lungs.D.

[FarmerD]

Just saw your referral to Brompton,you will get your answers there,a great hospital for lung sufferers.Might see you there lol.Good luck