In the past couple of months my blood oxygen level has been from 89 to 90 early morning and going up to 92 - 93 when I can start to move around, many things have now become to difficult to do, like gardening and I can only walk about half way around it before I need to sit down to catch my breath. Am just asking, what do you guys do to improve your blood oxygen levels.
I've been trying the deep breathing exercises and it doesn't seem have any effect, it can go to 95, but it drops down again very quickly to about 92.
Be very grateful for any tips you might have.
Thanks.
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Nottobad123
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have you spoken with your gp or respiratory clinic about this? Fresh air, exercise and water are good for oxygen levels but as we all have lung problems on here our oxygen levels will deteriorate and fluctuate. You could always ring the helpline team on here. Try not to worry
I spoke with a lung specialist in a private hospital a week ago, he just said it was normal for people with copd.I ended up arguing with him on a number of things.
I've gone to another hospital now and will be having a lung function test on Friday.
I just wondered when people with copd started using oxygen.
Not everyone has to use oxygen and it may take years before you need it, if at all. Exercise is very good for your body and lungs so it’s important you exercise for lung strength which in turn will help your oxygen levels. My oxygen level can vary and I always use a big toe to get a better reading as I wear nail varnish! Good luck with your test
I find exercise, as much as I can manage, is the only thing which brings my oxygen levels up. Pulmonary Rehab was good for it, but you can't have that all the time unfortunately.
I used to exercise regularly every day a year ago, and I was copping with copd very well, but stopped exercising due to other health issues. Am going to try a doing exercises in water maybe tomorrow.
As Alberta56 says,pulmonary rehab is very gd,educational + get u more active.its 2 sessions a week for 6 wks.ask yr go to refer you.its usually accepted that 88-91% 02 is normal with copd
Unfortunately they don't have that where I live, but I know I have to get more active again...trying to get those around me to encourage me hasn't worked, so I have to do it on my own. I think talking with you guys has already motivated me to do something for myself and not suffer in silence.
Good.look on aluk website,lots of info on exercise etc.if u read up on controlled breathing techniques- pursed lips,is really useful to make walking,exercise,going upstairs easier. Yes its such a gd group,we all help ea other x
Hi, just to add my waffle again......, There are lots of YouTube videos on Pulmonary Rehabilitation exercises from sitting. I will add the link to ALUK on when I find it in a mo.... healthunlocked.com/redirect...
Those exercises are exactly what you need imo. Crucially, there are 3 levels depending on how breathless you are, you can do a lot of them sitting down, and they show you how to increase the difficulty as you progress. I got a lot more from them than going to PR classes. Start now and even within 6 weeks you’ll feel the benefit. I’ve got a treadmill, sometimes I can hardly walk at all but any effort at all will strengthen your muscles and help you use oxygen more efficiently. As a consultant once told my mother “Keep moving! Don’t sentence yourself to death-by-sofa!” She died of pneumonia recently, but at the wonderful age of 96 and with all her faculties intact.
Pulmonary rehab was brilliant, but I felt at a loss when the course ended. However because I had done the NHS PR, I and others on the course were allowed to join our district council's Cardio Rehab classes. Similar to the PR, but more intense (though you can sit out for a while if it becomes too exhausting!) Same sort of people doing it, you can keep attending indefinitely and cheap as chips. Worth a look anyway, if your council run them.
Thank you for your reply LiveSalt, am living in Thailand now, so don't have those things that you have. I have though made a start with the treadmill today and the weekends I will go to the beach with my son's to exercise in the sea.I have this lung function test on Friday and am sure I will improve on any results it will have with regular exercise over the next few months, am pretty good once I get back into a routine.
Pasquino's excellent videos, above, remind me of yoga or tantric type stuff. I'd eat my woolly winter hat if there aren't practitioners and teachers of such things in your area. By the way, I followed along with the exercises in the video from the comfort of home, and wow, my lungs already feel invigorated after 10 minutes. I'm sure you'll find something to suit you. It definitely helps to make a commitment to go somewhere for a class, though, as it's too easy to let things slide.
My oxygen level is usually about 92. I dont really think about it that much. I just get on with things . I still can go swimming and line dancing. Use my inhalers pre excerise. The Dr's and consultant are not that concerned about the regular reading of 92. I don't on a daily basis test my oxygen levels.
Low oxygen is very new to me, so I've been wondering quite a lot about it.I've had a lot of problems in the past year, if anything they have worsen, but I want to try and improve myself as much as possible.
Swimming/treading water is the the only way I can exercise. Am going to try making the effort tomorrow and go to a nearby pool or beach.
Health professionals should know that good oxygen levels don’t always mean you shouldn’t be breathless! It can be a sign of retaining CO2, have you had that checked?
We often make a link between low oxygen levels and breathlessness. Unfortunately that connection is largely incorrect although intuitively I know from experience it doesn’t feel like that.
Respiratory physiology is a very complicated pathway to understand.
Breathlessness can be relieved by addressing our activity levels using the Borg scale 3-4 at most for those with COPD , regular exercise for keeping oxygen metabolism in the muscles at a good level, exercise for desensitising breathlessness, and lots more eg, managing mucous, blow and go etc.
knitter your not alone with that one I have Interstitial lung disease my last oxygen levels last lung function test were said to be reasonable but I said I'm struggling even more to breathe and my chest at times feels it's being crushed and painful ,the specialist said I should not be getting pain and dismissed it and I said I've a cough from time to time he said suck on lozenges .I've asked to see another consultant as I'm not accepting this I've got an appointment in November I know my own body .
hi proud yorky you say you are feeling that your chest feels cruched , have you enquired to ask for a chest x ray ? it may have a connection to your heart !
I also have got o2 levels of 97% when extremely breathless during exacerbation bronchiectasis (paramedics reading)
Most recently had extreme breathlessness with chest pains so Gp then a/e . Proved to be bradycardia so had pacemaker and chest pains disappeared. Remain very breathless but am having frequent exacerbations at the moment so on oral AB’s in addition to neb Colomycin. Big dip from last year
Also have found home readings erratic, husband with no respiratory disease showing in 80s sometimes so I have no faith in them
While in hospital o2 sometimes dipped to 92 but rose if nurse patient and let me take breaths. Annoyingly junior dr said o2 level ok at 88% I have bronchiectasis not copd so this ignorance could lead to dangerous under treatment
Anyway, sorry about long email but get checked out if breathing problems seem different
Thanks so much for your reply, am sorry about the problems you've been having, doctors do sometimes get things wrong. One doctor some years ago advised me to start using oxygen, even though he knew little to nothing about me, when I asked him why..his reply was, people with copd use oxygen.Am sure with exercise my breathing will improve.
Every time I've been to hospitals, ( which is a lot ) they have taken my 02 reading with a finger oximetor. I don't know about A & E though, they most likely do .
I have Aspergillosis and emphysema, when I was in hospital back in March my consultant said my target O2 level should be 88-92. I had an O2 assessment and my O2 dropped to low eighties as soon as I got out of my chair and started to move around, so I’m now on ambulatory oxygen. It’s not how high you can get your O2 level, in hospital if my level went about 94 they turned the O2 off until my level dropped. A check you can do at home if you have a pulse oximeter, take a reading when sitting at rest then move around walk up stairs etc, then take a reading it should have dropped, sit down again and see how quickly the level comes back up to yout normal. It is this time that the O2 nurse will use to see if you need extra 02. Exercise will only improve your lung capacity not necessarily your O2 levels. A low reading has nothing to do with breathlessness but it does mean your organs are not getting enough oxygen which can lead to organ damage also oxygen is fuel, I can walk further with oxygen than without
Thanks for your reply Biker, I have been taking readings from when I wake up and throughout the day, there hasn't been much difference really, but then am still having problems getting around through breathlessness so I've been in the bedroom all day.
I am though very focused on strapping my knees up and trying the treadmill that I haven't used in over a year.
Am a hundred percent sure I can and will improve my my lungs on whatever the lung function test shows on Friday. Am actually starting to good on the challenge.
I've been trying my old oximeter that had no batteries and used the batteries from the one I'd been using, the readings have been 95, 96 and even 97. When I put the batteries back in the one I'd been using..it didn't work at all, completely dead.
Thanks to all the replies, I have stopped worrying about my 02, even if it is 92.
Good day yes i am 60 years old now copd / started for me 2012 rough on morning peak flow are 230 the finger pulse machine my doctors at hospital said excetable if you want halp ring for ambulabce service for second apion all best ghoust rider sorry about spelling
I hope you get to that pool today. But don't overdo it. It's tough when you pay for an hour's session and are only able to do 10/5 minutes. It's also very tough to have to try to improve your health without support. I hope our answers are a bit helpful, and you could try phoning the Helpline for some well informed support. 0300 222 5800
I haven't been able to get out of the bedroom, am going to strap my knees really well and try the treadmill for a while, I haven't used it for over a year, so it should be interesting. Yes all the replies have been very helpful for me, it has definitely stopped me from worrying about my 02, and it has given me encouragement to start exercising again, I know my lungs improve on whatever the lung function test will show on Friday.
So many thanks to you and all that have taken the time to reply to my post.
I checked my levels a while ago and early morning it was 82-84 I asked my doctor about it and she said not to worry. Each time I have this put on my finger the nurse usually says "breathe" and it gets back to normal. I don't check it any more but do try to do breathing exercises when I remember x
Thanks for your reply lzb1, am going to stay on the forum as I found it's not only given me great information but it's also giving me really good encouragement to pick myself up and start exercising again. I know it will make a huge difference in my life to how it is now.
That's good news, I think exercise is so important for both mind and body. After being sat around for far too long waiting for my hip replacement, I know how much my body suffered and still isn't right but I keep going as the more you move the better it is. Keep positive x
I was deteriorating breathing wise until I did PR and that motivated me to start exercising again. One of the things that they taught us was that our lungs are muscles and the less that we use them, the more weaker they get, just like any other muscle in the body. Everyone gets scared when they feel that they can't breathe properly but I was taught that under normal conditions, getting out of breath through exercise is a good thing as long as your oxygen levels don't drop too much.
I've started going to my local sports centre and I do 2 exercise classes a week plus I go on the treadmill quite regularly - only walking but I'm gradually increasing the incline on it. I've only been doing this for a month but already I can walk up my road which is also on an incline, without getting out of breath now so it's definitely working.
I believe that 92 is the cut off point, any lower and you need to see a medical professional but perhaps start by walking every day? You could take your oximeter with you and check your oxygen levels when you're feeling puffed out? That's what the respiratory team do during a PR session.
On a final note, if your levels are low during the night then it might be worth talking to your GP as sometimes this can be due to sleep apnea and that could be effecting your health too.
Thanks for your reply Coughingalltheway, I have taken on board all the replies to my post and definitely will be exercising every day from now on, I really know how important this is to slow down this progressive disease. I have a lung function test on Friday, I will post the results when I get them..and work to improve whatever they are.
hi my oxygen level is any were between 93/95 but l have emphysema and had top part of my lung removed due to cancer ...my breathing isnt good but get by , lcannot do the things l use to because of my breathing but l have been 3 times to pulmonary rehab , it has helped enormously so l highly reccomend having a word with your gp ....emotionally and physically it helps ...take care
I don't have the Pulmonary rehab option where I live, but l am strong willed and do believe that exercise is key in slowing down the progressive disease we have. I could do with a bit of emotional encouragement from loved ones but it's not there at the moment.
My oxygen levels drop a lot when I exercise, at PR the nurse actually said how are you still standing & why aren’t your lips blue! It drops as low as 78, but I now have oxygen to use when exercising to protect vital organs , it’s very rare I’m in the high 90s , usually can get to 92 but no higher, 😊🌺💐🌷
Just seen your reply Loopylorre, thank you for posting it.I hope your managing better with the oxygen.
I have exercise induced asthma and it's becoming more and more difficult in breathing when trying to exercise, but it's seems to be fine if I exercise in water.
My son's are taking me to the beach Saturday and Sunday.
Not knowing which form of COPD you have make it hard to judge. I have emphysema and bronchiectasis and am on O2 24x7 at about 2 litres. For anyone with severe COPD 88-92 % is considered satisfactory. Remember the device is measuring your peripheral O2 level and it will be higher around your vital organs which are much closer to your heart and lungs.
I am on a CPAP machine overnight and wake with a sats level around 95%. Of course it falls quite fast on exertion. In note you say your rises on activity which suggests to me (non clinician) that you lung function is still quite good.
May I suggest you discuss with this your COPD clinician? They are more expert than your GP will be in what is a very specialised area of medicine. You may benefit from going on a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Course. I went on 12 until my rate of recovery fell below safe levels.
Emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma. I also have a few more health issues .I've seen a few lung specialist over the years and not only has it been very expensive all they done is try different inhalers that as far asi know hasn't really done anything, the only thing that's been a comfort to me was exercising everyday and working in my garden, I hadn't been able to do that in over a year due to other health issues, so my lungs have worsen.
Once I've had the lung function test on Friday, I will be seeing a government lung specialist.
But in all honesty it's all down to exercising regularly every day again.
Can you tell the difference between your asthma and chronic bronchitis? Silly question but do your lungs feels stiff and how hard is it to get the mucus out?
Isn’t the hallmark of chronic bronchitis, constant sputum? Or maybe Iv got that wrong! How old were you when you were diagnosed? I’m in the early stage of finding it exceptionally difficult to accept, as you mentioned also.
I've just been looking at the xrays the hospital sent via email to take that my new doctor wants to see and compare with the one they took last week. It not a pretty sight. Am having a full lung function test today.
i went into hospital in july oxy sats my usual 95% came out 10 days later oxy sats from 84 to 90% , i was told to accept this as my new levels, no reason given for the drop. cannot get any sense from any one , i am the same as you, sob least exertion.
It's been 10 years since I was diagnosed with copd and asthma, it took a very long time for it to sink in and for me to accept that how it is.Am okay with my 02 as it is, it's been good being able to talk about it on here.
I've just done 10 minutes on the treadmill and my knees are on fire.
Hi there Nottobad123, great advice from Patk1, peege and Alberta56 - please check our website and/or give us a call. It's 0300 222 5800, option 3 to chat with the Clinical Team .
You can chat through your concerns or worries with us. All the best, Helpline Team
Everyone I’ve ever talked to about CB has near constant mucus (as per the clinical definition of CB), with or without a persistent cough. But obviously CoPd manifests differently for everyone so maybe you are the exception to the rule. Do you get regular chest infections?
I haven't had chest infections, I have seen doctors many times in the past 10 years for many reasons and my chest has aways been clear. I am having a full lung function test today, I will put a post on regarding the results when I get them.
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