Variation in blood oxygen saturation during COPD flare-up. Anybody else?

[Scandinavian]

I've been having quite a few COPD flare-ups lately. My generalist advised me to purchase a pulse oximeter to check blood oxygen saturation during the flare-ups.

It varies quite a bit between moments when I'm breathing ok and when I'm out of breath (without notice, nor reason).

Has anybody else with COPD had this?

Thank you

[Hidden]

I think just take oxygen levels on rising mid day afternoon and evening. one at rest one after activity and record those measurements. (If there is a case where levels are dropping below 94% saturation).

If your levels are above 94% I wouldn't worry at all and not a great need to take measurements as frequently.

If your levels are frequently dropping below 92% and not coming back up after stopping activity, you should be speaking with a medical professional.

Keeping records of your levels if this is the case will help a medical professional advise you when you contact them.

I'm not a medical professional.

I never take measurements moment to moment.

Please refer to this page (under heading "what the results look like");

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/....

[Scandinavian in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Bkin, that was extremely helpful and informative.

[Will57]

I have an oximeter and find it quite useful as I also have AF apart from COPD and need to monitor both oxygen and pulse levels

[Aingeful]

Can anyone recommend a good accurate oxometer?

[COPD123491 in reply to Aingeful]

Hi

I bought mine from Amazon for £19.99 about 2 years ago and it functions well. I have checked the readings, periodically, when I visit the surgery and they compare well.

Stay safe

Kevin

[Aingeful in reply to COPD123491]

Had a look on Amazon,there are loads of them! Any idea what make it is ?

[Nanny49 in reply to Aingeful]

I have had a few from Amazon over the years - all different makes - but usually pay about £20. Never had a problem with any of them - check them against GP occasionally. Work fine until I drop them on a tiled floor! I would advise getting a brightly coloured one if you're like me and can't remember where you left it! The cheaper ones are definitely not accurate - members of the COPD group I belong to all say this.

[Aingeful in reply to Nanny49]

Thanks! The tip about colour is a good one.😀

[COPD123491 in reply to Aingeful]

Hi

Quite a lot to choose from. There is no makers mark on mine but it has what I asked for - the CE Kitemark. I think if you go with the CE Kitemark it will be ok. They are all much of a muchness but I certainly would not be paying any more than £19.99.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Kevin

ps: to be on the safe side you could try your local pharmacy

[Aingeful in reply to COPD123491]

Thanks.There are a few listed as NHS approved. I'll go for one of those.

[peege in reply to Aingeful]

Mine's a Biosync Aingeful. Shows pulse as well and can also do a child's sats. Tge battery's lasted years

[Aingeful in reply to peege]

Thanks,I'll check them out.

[COPD123491]

Hi

This happens to me quite a lot. My normal reading after taking my inhaler (Trimbow) hovers around 93/94. However when I go to the car, fetch the papers and climb the steps to my home it drops to 87/88 and then, after sitting down for a time, gradually climbs to the normal reading. I would follow Bkin's advice on this. I check mine - 1) first thing in the morning, 2) after getting the papers at the local shop (because at the stage I would be very breathless and 3) at bed time.

Good luck and stay safe.

Kevin

[maggiewhiteley]

I have stage 4 emphsaema and heart problems and my acceptable levels according to my lung man are between 89%-92%. Mine often fall below the 89 on activity, very rarely reach 92. So each of us is different

[Stanjory]

I got one from Lloyds pharmacy online last week. They had a sale on. Looks very much like the one my surgery uses. £19.99