Blood oxygen reading of 83

[Noddyboy]

My mum had a blood oxygen reading of 83,she has a lot of mucous and wheezing. She wheezes when sleeping, she sounds like a sea monster. I was wondering if sleeping tablets Can reduce blood oxygen levels? I have told her she must stop taking them, she is and I'm hoping there is some improvement. She is only 55 and no longer smokes, but was a former heavy smoker for 15 years.. She is also seeing a doctor who is trying to help.. But any advice would be helpful, I'm very scared for her... Thankyou

[Badbessie]

Your mother needs to see a Doctor. That her oxygen saturation is so low whilst sleeping is worrying and needs to be investigated as a matter of urgency. No one can diagnose online but the combination of the sleeping pills and the chest symptoms you describe need attention. There may be a number of factors which may combine to give low saturations. I would ring 111 for advice.

[Noddyboy in reply to Badbessie]

Thankyou.

[Hacienda]

I Hope she is with a Lung Consultant. The Oxygen level at 83 is far too low. has she had her Blood gases updated? She is only young, Good for her packing in the Cigs. Can you phone Respiratory, they are there 24/7, Best People to help and should come to her Home to assess her. Best of Luck Hun. xxx

[Noddyboy in reply to Hacienda]

Thankyou.

[Patsy164]

Sorry to hear about your Mum. I was told if you had any chest related problems you shouldn’t take sleeping pills. That reading is very low and would take the advice of Badbessie and Hacienda to see a doctor straight away. Good luck and hope you can get your mum sorted out. Xx 😊

[Noddyboy in reply to Patsy164]

Thankyou.

[Hidden]

Sounds low..I would ring 111 or 999..

[Noddyboy in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou.

[sarcoid123]

I have a lung condition (sarcoidosis) and produce a lot of phlegm every day. I have been told that my oxygen level (using an oximeter on my finger) should not go below 90%.

I wonder if the following would help as your mum would be able to sleep better if she coughs up the phlegm before lying down. To clear my lungs of phlegm every morning and before bed I do Active Cycle of Breathing technique (ACBT) - also known as huffing - which was taught to me by a physiotherapist to cough it up and then I don't cough during the day or when I lie down. If I don't do ACBT at nighttime my lungs "rattle" and can't lie down. Before I knew about ACBT I used to sleep in bed sitting up!

There is lots on the internet, especially Youtube, teaching Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT). I was taught by a physiotherapist to do it lying down on each side but it can be done sitting up.

Also your mum could ask to see a hospital physiotherapist who could assess her to see if she would be suitable for a nebuliser. They are not very expensive to buy. After seeing a physiotherapist, I am prescribed individual ampoules containing 7% salt solution which I put in the nebuliser and which produce ‘steam’ to loosen the mucus and make it easier to cough up. I have been told boiled, cooled water can be used instead.

Or your mum could put her head over a bowl of very hot water with a towel over her head to loosen the mucus which I used to do before I had my nebuliser. I also have a Flutter device which I bought which helps if the phlegm occasionally gets stuck after I have done my ACBT (Look on the internet to explain what a Flutter is). There is also a device called an acapella which is similar. There is also an Aerosure Medic electric device which is similar, but costs a lot of money.

I never go anywhere without a packet of Fisherman's Friend (includes menthol and eucalyptus), as if I do feel the urge to cough I suck one (a very strong taste so takes some getting used to) and the urge usually disappears.

One last thing. My phlegm is white, but I have been told that if it goes yellow or green that may mean I have an infection and I should ask my doctor's receptionist for a little pot, cough in to it (in private!), and the doctor will send it to the local hospital for analysis to know which is the best antibiotic to fight it.

I hope this all helps.

[Noddyboy in reply to sarcoid123]

Thankyou sarcoid 123... We have talked and she is not taking the sleeping tablets any more, very dangerous and scary to listen to her at night and in the morning. She has a lung function test on Wednesday. She has had multiple lung x-rays that have been all clear, and a lung function test ( but she has forgotten her score for that one). She has also just gone through menopause and is also struggling with a rash in the lines of her neck,the rash only improves when she sticks to a low histamine (anti inflammatory diet). She was put on spiriva and asmol and has to constantly puff on them as she has so much phlegm... I don't think she is really responding to any of these medications, although the asmol helps when she is struggling for air... The doctor told me because mum has such a little face and neck that it can sometimes cause problems with breathing, but it's the constant phlemg preventing her from getting a proper breath.. We are wondering whether it may be "allergy asthma". Anyhow she is seeing a great doctor now and hopefully he will get to the bottom of it.. I am overwhelmed with all you lovely people reaching out to give advice, tips, support and to wish mum well,I don't have any family support other than my mum, and it has meant the world to me... Thankyou

[Patsy164]

It’s good to hear your Mum is under a good doctor this helps so much. It sounds like it has been hard for your Mum too. Sometimes illnesses are not straight forward and take time to show themselves fully to be diagnosed. I wish you both good luck with the consultant and hope you get a diagnosis soon. Keep us all informed of your progress as well it always helps to discuss things especially with others with similar conditions. Xxx

[Noddyboy in reply to Patsy164]

I will update you.. Thanks patsy

[Noddyboy in reply to Patsy164]

I will update you.. Thanks patsy

[Noddyboy]

Hello everybody, mum couldn't have her lung function test today because she wasn't able to go without her asthma pump in the morning, she couldn't breathe, the lady was telling her off as your not supposed to, but she stood her ground. The doctor put her on oxygen, for 20 minutes, then prescribed steroids 2 in the morning for 5 days.She has to go back in 2 days for a check up and he's of the opinion it is chronic asthma.

[Hidden in reply to Noddyboy]

I am sorry to hear that your mum is going through hell right now. I am glad that a doctor listened to your mum and you. I hope in a few days your mum will be strong enough for the test if still required. Do not worry about the person who was rude. Your mum did what she had to do and protecting herself. Good luck getting the answers

[Noddyboy in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou for your kind words camilla