Oxygen therapy needed?

[Lydia1960]

Have been having quite serious symptoms that my doctor has been dismissing. Shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, chest tightness, mental confusion, chronic cough. My oxygen saturation levels waver between 92%-95% at each reading.

Read online that this could be suggestive of cell damage with them starved of oxygen? It was also suggested in that article that busy doctors tend to just dismiss these readings, especially if they are not showing at the time of appointment.

Can anyone please advise me on just how serious this could be and how to prevent any possible internal damage and how to reduce these serious symptoms that are quite debilitating..

[stone-UK]

Hi

Those readings are considered acceptable.

Cause for concern.

85% and aboveNo evidence of impairment

65% and less impaired mental function on average

55% and less Loss of consciousness on average

For oxygen therapy you need to be assessed, Aterial Blood Gases Test for long term oxygen therapy, and six minute walk test for Ambulitory oxygen therapy.

Your GP should offer more testing such as Spirometer, X-Ray to determine or rule out any lung condition. Or referral to a hospital consultant.

[Lydia1960 in reply to stone-UK]

That’s very reassuring. Those figures. And you’re right. I should press my GP on this matter. As these are very serious symptoms, it just had me worried that they might be linked to my cells being starved of oxygen rich blood.. so best make an appointment with my GP and mention those tests you referred to. Definitely need more tests, you’re right...

[hypercat54]

Hi oxygen is only given not for breathlessness but to support your other organs. Sats of 92-95% are fine and wouldn't contribute to organ failure.

It's only if your oxygen levels regularly fall below around 88 and stays low that oxygen might be considered to be necessary. x

[Lydia1960 in reply to hypercat54]

That’s really lifted a weight of anxiety from me. Was really concerned about those Sats, but you’ve reassured me that my symptoms cannot be linked to cells being starved of oxygen. Have been under a lot of pressure, stress and anxiety. No doubt, those symptoms are connected to these. Must go back to my GP and discuss this...