I'm being investigated for a possible lung disorder. Since my Gp suggested I buy a pulse oximeter I also bought a smart watch. I've been having coughing spasms during the night and last night I checked my O2 on my watch, I was lying on my side. I was surprised to see it was 81, I checked a few times and it was the same. I felt fine so I didn't think anything more till this morning when I mentioned it to my hubby. Does this happen to anyone else? I was just a bit surprised at how low it was as during the day it's usually about 90 - 94, sometimes it's 96, but since the infections I've had it's never higher. Just wondering, thanks.
Oxygen Saturation: I'm being... - Lung Conditions C...
Oxygen Saturation
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Sherlock11
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My waking pulseoximeter is around 95 average never checked it during the night so cannot comment on your reading . Not much help I know but I worry that some people place too much emphasis on the machine readings . My reading is with cancer in both lungs and an underlying lung condition . However my lung volume is around 200 which is way below norm for a person my age. . I find it very hard to find something to control my severe cough which is day and night . Taking these readings does however alert you to abnormalties often due to infection.
Hello Sherlock11.
I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis almost four years ago. I too was fixated on my pulse ox, but it is what it is. Get out walking and get your heart and lungs working.
I’ve bought books on breathing techniques and found The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown pretty good. There also a YouTube channel of the same name. There is tons of info on YouTube, some helpful, some not so. Look at The Buteyko Method with Neil Trantor and Life and Breath with Lee Fogle.
Hope this is of some help and if I can be of any help don’t hesitate to reach out.
Think happy thoughts and even though it’s hard be positive.
Wishing you all the best,
Paul x
Hi, porcupine62 …I am reading a Patrick McKeown book at the moment Anxiety Free which uses the Buteyko MindfulnessMethod .
Neil Trantor videos I find very calming , and Chibs Okereke for meditation .
Hello knitter.
Never even heard of this book, but I will look it up.
Have been trying meditation for a while now. Sometimes I have success in zoning out, sometimes my head is like a box of frogs. But I’ll keep at it.
Thank you knitter.
Paul
maybe try somethin called kirtan kriya which is a meditation that not only has shown to be useful in Alzheimers but because you actually chant as you make finger movements can be helpful to stop your box of frogs issues! several versions on Youtube .I attempted to post the link to one I like but it then comes up with the video on this message!
Hello Alchemilla I like the reply to the box of frogs reference.
Thank you so much for your suggestion and support. ❤️
Paul
you're very welcome! I too have what I call " monkey mind "and find having a particular set of things to" do" during this meditation rather than just trying to let thoughts drift away really helps.I hope you find it useful too. The fact that brain scans on people whove done this over a number of weeks show improved memory and cognition is another bonus!
Hello Paul
I did a course in Buteyko any years ago and it was the best thing I couldve done for myself. I have Emphysema and was diagnosed in the year 2000 I did the Buteyko method of breathing for years and years until I unfortunately came down with Viral Pneumonia. I ended up in ICU and after a couple of weeks in hospital came home on oxygen. That was in 2015 and am still plodding along. I am not as good as I have been but still here. I find using my oximeter can be on one hand a help and on another a hindrance. This is mainly due to the associated stress and worry that goes with the constant checking is it too high or too low and then why is it so high or so low etc etc. I now follow my specialists advice and if I am feeling unwell and it doesnt pass in a short period of time then check my readings including blood pressure and temp and if there is anything worrying follow my Action Plan then contact my GP. Any use of Mindfulness, Meditation or Buteyko is a great help to all of us with breathing problems as it keeps us calm.
Easy breathing to you all
Danielle
90 to 100 is fine for oximeter just invested in one
I have an Apple Watch and have found it spectacularly unreliable at reporting O2 sats. I was surprised, actually, since in all other respects it is very impressive. I think watch technology does not work all that well with O2 sats because it has to read through the wrist. You are better off checking on a finger oximeter. If you want a wearable for overnight and have funds to spare you can try the Wellue ring. I have had one of those since December. It seems pretty reliable and comes up with believable results. My daytime sats sit around 98 and my night sats according to the ring sit around 95 or 96, with a few momentary dips to 91. Which is what I would expect. According to my research a slightly lower trend overnight is to be expected but if your 81 reading is to be believed then I would be getting straight back to the GP for a proper overnight monitor. The lowest dip I have had is 88 (once) and the ring vibrates to wake me at that level. However if you have slender fingers it will likely be too big. I have to wear mine on my thumb and it's only just about a tight enough fit.
Others have commented that it is easy to get hung up on readings and they are correct. But because it is possible to have dangerously low oxygen sats and not actually feel all that bad I think if you have been advised to measure you owe it to yourself to make sure the equipment is accurate.
Thankyou, for answering. I only bought the oximeter in December after I was sent to hospital with a pseudomonas chest infection, low O2, 90-92 and not responding well to cipro. I am immunosuppressed and so am wary of bugs. This and the strongly positive antigens and raised FeNo have all triggered the Dr's to think there may be something going on with my lungs. The lung function tests were ok except the DLCO which as the person doing the test said, it's reduced but not in my boots. I don't know the numbers but I'm not particularly worried just me being me want to know if there is anything, and if there is, to have treatment if this is the case. I also have RA so it could be linked to that.
I certainly agree with you as far as the an Apple Watch and O2. I have an Apple Watch as well as another smart watch also measures O2 and if I compare the two of them with a finger pulse oximeter they are all different readings. Apparently proper fit is also quite important, can’t be too tight or too loose, and can be hard to get it just right. I would suspect that more inexpensive smart watches are even less reliable.
There are also certain positions that are required to get an accurate reading, at least acoording to the person that conducted my last Pulmonary Function Test, and took blood to test my ABG. If you fingers are cold it can also affect the reading and in most cases you are supposed to give the oximeter 15-30 seconds to stabilize give an accurate reading.
Totally agree about Watch Oxygen readings- accurate for heart but useless for oxygen. Have recently discovered that oximeter won’t read properly if you fingers are too cold.
I have COPD and constantly check my oxygen level but readings are not always accurate. I have personally been assessed by pulmonary consultant and was told I should be 85/91. I recently read 75 and was rushed straight to hospital. Transpires I had pneumonia and was hospitalised for 3 weeks. Safe levels vary from person to person advise you get medical professional opinion ASAP to be on the safe side. Good luck
I have COPD and constantly check my oxygen level but readings are not always accurate. I have personally been assessed by pulmonary consultant and was told I should be 85/91. I recently read 75 and was rushed straight to hospital. Transpires I had pneumonia and was hospitalised for 3 weeks. Safe levels vary from person to person advise you get medical professional opinion ASAP to be on the safe side. Good luck
I always feel like I'm catching my breath whether my O2 is 91 or 94. It doesn't seem to matter. I'm going to stop as you start to become fixated and it's not doing any good except raise your anxiety levels, fortunately I don't have high blood pressure, it' the opposite.
Hello,
I think you are wise to stop checking your 02 levels so regularly. They always fluctuate even in folk who have no lung disease or issues.
I can’t see the point of your GP recommending that you use an oximeter without offering you a referral for a proper oxygen assessment- has the GP offered you that ? If they are concerned about your oxygen levels then that is what you need to happen.
Can you discuss this further with your GP perhaps? If they are concerned about your 02 levels falling too low then they need to refer you on for assessment.
Let us know how you get on.
Go well
Pauline
I've had lung function tests and a HRCT, just waiting for the report and to see the consultant again. My DLCO was reduced.
Fair enough, I still can’t see the point of worrying you by asking you to have an oximeter without an oxygen assessment though. Oximeters vary too, I calibrate mine again the oxygen service one when I have my annual review and assessment of my oxygen needs.
Hope the consultant has only good news for you when you see them next.
Go well
Pauline
When you say you calibrate yours with the oxygen service one, do you mean you can change yours to match theirs or that you check to see how much different yours is from theirs?
Hello, I meant that I check my oximeter against theirs.
The 6 minute walking test oximeter they use these days I am assured is incredibly accurate.
Go well
Pauline
Thank you. I thought that was probably what you meant but thought I would check in case there is a way to adjust them if they are out a bit.
Happy to clarify for you and others. I don't think there is anyway to adjust them if they are out a bit anyway. They all vary anyway, some more reliable and accurate than others.
I have a couple and they are often between 4-5% different from each other. I’m not sure which one is accurate. I’ll take them along next time I have a PFT to see which one is accurate, or maybe they are both out. I thought it would be great if I could get the one that is wrong adjusted to the one at the doctors office.
Low blood pressure can affect oxygen levels/breathing.
I regularly have a low reading of 82, when I asked the nurse at the hospital she said it was OK and it was because i was shallow breathing , I now try to remember to breathe deeply and it comes back up. I don't take readings now x
hi, I suffer with emphysema and my readings are max 93-94. I have been as low as 79 (rushed to hospital) I was told by respiratory team if I was healthy 93 would be investigated but as I have emphysema they told me it can go as low as 85 any less and I need to seek medical help.hope you get the help you need. Kevin
I would not rely on any watch to read your o2 sats but buy a finger pulse oxymeter. Watches are not reliable.
I had a similer problem not long ago - my 02 stats at 90 - My HR got up to 160and peaked this lasted two days - I was going to go A&E but it subsided.
At night 02 is lower but 83 is low and if happenes forany legth of time, it's 111 or even Urgent Care.
I have a recording oximeter and I have done all night teats -Had it in the 70s, but in short bursts ,
What mattered was the average which was 90-92 so I showed a print out to GP and was not a great worry/ The HR i ended up referred,
If I have read you post correctly - You had 83 02 over a period - I would have said you should have been seen, but coughing spasms might have been the cause.
I would suggest if you have 82 Stats for any length of time, best to rinf 111 at the very least .
I have fibrosis and ger lower 02 sats but at 83 except in a short burst.
I bought myself an O2 ring from Wellve. You can wear it while you're sleeping. It records your pulse, O2 and movement throughout the night. I like this ring because the wearer can set it to vibrate when your O2 drops below 88 to wake you up. They're other versions that record on your phone, I not sure if they alert you with low levels. I've been very happy with this one so far.
This is mine.
Looks Ok, not sure that a ring is. I have a oximeter that records Pulde.03 levels when sleeping, no vibrate but less that 88 you get a tone. like wise with Oulse Rate.
Am I correct in understanding you said your smart watch reads your oxygen saturation levels? If so, it might be inaccurate. I’d personally buy a decent finger pulse oximeter to make sure. They’re not that expensive to buy. Just make sure there’s nothing on the nails and that your fingers are warm and while measuring, rest the hand on the arm of the chair or on your legs to keep it nice and steady. Allow a little time to ensure the reading is consistent. Oxygen SATS can be lower when lying down as the lungs compress. Perhaps use a few extra pillows.
One thing that is often overlooked in low oxygen saturation is that it causes damage to the organs of the body, the kidneys, the brain, etc. if left unchecked, and that oxygen use is more geared towards preventing this than actually causing one to breathe better. These organs also need adequate oxygen as does every tissue of the body. Anything under 88 is bad!
In the daytime, I can take my oxygen reading and it can be as high as 96, even 97 or 98, but this is usually when I'm sitting down. Mostly it is 92 or 93 which is okay in a person with emphysema. Once I get up and exert myself a bit, even just light general housecleaning, it can dip quite low, into the low 80s. I'm not always aware of it but sometimes I am. Then I just sit down, and rest and it climbs up quite quickly. You might check your blood saturation after different activities. I check mine at different points in the day.
However, when we sleep, our breathing patterns can be quite different and fluctuate a great deal. We may breathe quite shallow or pause too long for the next breath. I use an oxygen generator at night, and sometimes in the daytime, but not as much, as usually, as I said, just resting brings my saturation back up.
You do need to see a pulmonary doctor about this!
Already seeing a respiratory consultant, just awaiting review of scans and tests.
Seeing a consultant about possible diagnosis of a lung disorder.
I would suggest that you speak to your GP and feedback these readings. The night one is low and could be linked to sleep problems and might need investigation. They (the hospital) can give you equipment which takes measurements at night to check what is going on. My husband had it done. He has had mild sleep apnoea (as well as pulmonary issues), but didn't need additional medication or treatment,
I will speak about it on Tuesday when I am seeing the nurse for more tests.
First, are you on antibiotics? I ask as you sound like you may have an infection. Now 81 is low for a peripheral oxygen saturation. The norm for COPD patients like me is 88-92%. You quote a lung capacity of 200 but as this is measured by percentage this is obviously not that. I am guessing it is millilitres and of you are below age 50 I would say 300-400 is more normal.
When I am tested for fully expanded volume (FEV1) I now get a horrid 29% against over 50 five years ago (I am 82).
So, back to the oximeter. This measures your peripheral level. Over 88 for a COPD patient is ok. For a normal person 94 plus would be normal.
It will NOT work if your finger is at all wet or if it is notably cold.
And if you have an infection or are a COPDS p[-atikents having a good l;evel does not mean you will be without breathlessnmess. The problem is that for our bodies to perate at their best we have to have 'spare' oxygen available. That is what we COPD patients lack.
A few weeks ago I put my first post on this forum concerning my (then) recent diagnosis of mild COPD. This diagnosis was made by my GP following a Spirometry with Reversibility Lung Function Test. My GP recommended I use (her) prescription of Easyhaler with Sabutomol and also work on building up my exercise levels. Well the exercise bit has proven to be a complete joke due to weather conditions and my small home doesn’t favour much in the way of useful internal exercise space.
So far I have spent much time reading up on Asthma, COPD and ACOS (Asthma COPD Overlap Syndrome) – just to get a bit informed. So, where I’m at, is the conclusion that all decisions thus far have been based on a Lung Function Test …….. with no regard as to what is going on with say my Sinuses. Bear with me.
Lets now take a 24 hr snapshot of what happens with my nose, throat and lungs.
WAKE UP AND SWING INTO THE DAY : No problems, morning tea, morning meds (including Easyhaler ), breakfast then into whatever activities are on for the day. Symptoms = much coughing, starts as dry cough and during the following hours changes into mucus/loose cough. By early afternoon, no coughing and chest feels dry. Late afternoon I sometimes feel the need for more Easyhaler. Again at night alongside night time meds.
NIGHT TIME: No difficulties sleeping, no coughing, only need to wake up is either for a toilet break and/or because I’ve slept on my left side thus aggravating osteoarthritic pain in my left shoulder. Usually manipulate my shoulder back to bed and sleep again.
One thing nobody has ever asked me about and/or suggested is my Sinuses. My belief is that these are dripping into the back of my throat all my waking hours, regardless of my activity level. I suspect at night too. I have a continuous history of sinus issues since my mid teens ( frequently being diagnosed with ‘Tonsilitus’ even though my Tonsils were remove around the age of 3 or 4 ). I’m 80 now. What is something of a mystery is I never wake up coughing during the night, but maybe that is due to my sleeping position (I’m a side sleeper) and possibly the angle of my head/neck on pillows.
I’m posting this in the hope that some of you may have some ideas as to my real problem. I just don’t believe it is anything in the Asthma or COPD family of lung conditions. I would stress, I’ve had all the scans and Xrays imaginable, all have given me ‘normal’. Of course at its simplest, maybe a house dust allergy, and/or rural hedgerow vegetation/pollen allergy.
Oh yeah …. my current SpO2 is around 95 with a HR of 75 AND my BP is around 133/78 with a HR of 73. Not that brilliant as these readings are because I’m on medication. Would otherwise be much higher. Oh! yes - for you technophiles I use an Omron Evolve BP monitor and a Wellue Finger Pulse Oximeter - so - I'm happy that I'm using sensible equipment, not just my Withings Scan Watch.
Cheers,
John
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