Oxygen Saturation Readings.

[Phil40]

My Mum has severe COPD and her oxygen saturation levels are usually around 90% ; and more often in the middle to top 80%. She is on permanent oxygen and pretty much everything med possible. She was pleased because the levels seemed a bit higher last week however she didn't actually seem any better to me and I have a feeling I have read something about increased saturation levels are not necessarily a good thing and could be a negative indication. Has anyone else come across that or am I getting that totally wrong? I obviously did not tell her that as she was pleased with the levels, which are unfortunately back down again and she seems very breathless. Thanks, Phil

[Phil40]

Thanks for your reply. I am aware oxygen is not given to aid breathing: in fact I believe the wrong prescription of oxygen can actually hinder the body's natural breathing system.

My question is regarding the saturation levels and the seemingly uncharacteristic temporary elavation.

[Deb1712 in reply to Phil40]

My husband has copd and I've done a lot of reading. I too have read that a level over 92% isn't good. you'll find the official stuff if you google it. My husband also has heart failure and his ox readings are usually 96% which the heart people are happy with. The trouble is, they only look at it from the heart point of view. Good luck

[mrsmummy]

In general, people using supplemental oxygen will aim for sats of 88-92 but this may vary according to other issues. For example someone who has high levels of CO2 may have a lower level of saturation as their norm. The best person to seek advice from about a particular person's levels is their oxygen nurse/consultant who will have all relevant information to hand.

[Phil40 in reply to mrsmummy]

Yes you would think that but I don't think they have managed to actually gather all relevant information still. After all, Mum has only had home LTOT for 3 years and you have to give them time to work out what to do. Last time the oxygen prescription came up the respiratory team kept contradicting each other. Last time they tried to do a blood gas check they used Mum as a pin cushion then gave up I think. The Community Matron is calling tomorrow I will ask her further. Thanks for your response Mrs. Mummy

[Hacienda]

I do my Sats every day and electronically send them to " Healthcare" who phone me when they are alerted on any readings that have altered. I'm on Oxygen and Know that Ox Level and Breathlessness do not go hand in hand, I average 93 Ox,which I'm happy with, when I was bad it was reading 84, that is when you need medical treatment.

I am on 1 to 3Ltrs Oxygen and am awaiting a Lung Function Appointment. Pulse can differ depending on how you move about. In Hospital they discharged me with a wrist band saying 88 to 92 incase I needed any help. Only You can Know your own Body and we are all so very Different. The only people I would ever contact are The Pulmonary Nurses who know Best.