Exercise and Oxygen Levels

[anng18]

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could tell me if it is ok for my oxygen level to drop down to 83 on physical exertion. It rapidly returns to normal when I stop.

Any advice most welcome.

[DrARDS]

No, my understanding, although I’m not a Medic, is that you’d be better off using supplemental oxygen to pump it up into the 90s?

[anng18 in reply to DrARDS]

Thank you very much for your help.

This is what I was thinking, but did not want to be over dramatic.

[O2Trees]

I have been told it's not a big deal if it happens occasionally but it shouldnt really be below 88. Get a telephone appointment with your GP or respiratory nurse to check

[CDPO16]

This happens to me regularly. I mentioned it to a specialist several years ago and he wasn't concerned. I was going to bring it up with my nurse at my next review as it is happening more frequently now but that was due last month and didn't go ahead due to the coronavirus. I would be interested to know how you go on if you do contact your GP about it. I don't know if an assessment for oxygen therapy can be done on a home visit but I am shielding and would be very reluctant to even have that.

[anng18 in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you for replying.

Yes, I am also shielding, so will not be going near anyone, at the moment.

I did query it at a pulmonary rehabilitation group last year, but I was given mixed messages. The overall one being, to keep exercising regardless, to keep the muscles strong, so they use less oxygen.

[skischool in reply to anng18]

You where given incorrect information on your PR course,exercise for patients whose sats regularly fall below 88%-92% during the exertion period are unsafe and should be discontinued.if they are in reciept of supplementary O2 on prescription this should be administered until such time as their sats reach that safe level.

My sats plummet on exertion,sometimes into the low 70's,that is why i am prescribed supplementay oxygen,it's use being to bring me back to a safer level thus avoiding damage to other organs.

Time i believe for you to get a proper assessment with your respiratory team.

best wishes Ski's and Scruff's

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to skischool]

Bob’s your uncle, skischool. I supplement oxygen with exercise...even walking outside, or shopping (which of course now is at the minimum...and I double mask). And use the oxygen during sleep. My pulmonologist said that he wouldn’t test me for sleep apnea as long as I was using the oxygen. Pulse rate is important as well. Before a BCG tx the nurse told me my sat was 93%. I said well that sounds good. She said yes, but your pulse rate is 115. I said well, that always happens when I’m around a pretty woman. lol

[Bkin]

With levels dropping that low you would need to stop exercising until it returns to normal but as DrARDS says. Some people on oxygen are advised to increase the oxygen intake when they exercise for this reason.

This really does need a discussion with your consultant or GP to see what may be safe for you.

[anng18 in reply to Bkin]

Yes Bkin, I understand what you are saying. I have begun to stop and wait for my levels to rise. I was being a bit naughty with my husband, as I didn't want to upset him, but now he realises I need to stop for a few minutes, when we are exercising.

[Patk1 in reply to anng18]

I dont even think to check my obs or take oxometer out with me.howd u all know yr sats mid exercise

[hypercat54]

I am mild/moderate copd. When I had my fall and paramedics came round my Sat's were only 85. They were concerned but stopped worrying when it quickly climbed to 91. I am not on oxygen or anything.

[anng18 in reply to hypercat54]

That is good to know.

Thanks for replying.

[2greys]

If your levels drop persistently below 88 then it does need addressing. Monitor your levels whilst exercising and do not allow them to fall below 88 for an extended period. Make a note of what sort of exercise you are doing and how long before your levels drop, as well as how long it takes to recover. That history will help the doctors make a decision about further testing, you should also make a note of your general health at those times as well, a more than normal congested chest will affect your stats. This is what I have been told by my consultant to do, as I hopefully recover from the virus.

[anng18 in reply to 2greys]

Thank you 2greys.

I had that problem, last year. I felt as though I'd failed my pulmonary rehabilitation course as my stats were worse on completion, but it was partly due to the fact that I had contracted a lung infection whilst on the course.

My stats drop quite quickly but return to normal very quickly.

Can't see anyone about it at the moment.

[TG58]

Could I ask how you know your oxygen levels have dropped ? do you have a monitor or is it that your heart rate increases ? I was interested as I was speaking to a nurse from the lung foundation on Thursday and I was asking her about oximeters, she advised me against buying one as she said it's very easy to get bogged down in numbers plus the fact they vary in accuracy which was my concern. At the beginning of the year before I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis I was in the gym, and after I had finished my workout, whilst walking to the car, my heart rate increased to 141bpm, am I now correct in thinking my oxygen levels had dropped as at the time I had no idea what it was, I sat in the car till my HR came down and was ok afterwards.

[jackdup in reply to TG58]

My heart rate can go up into the 140-150 range without my O2 dropping much. The best way to tell is with an oximeter. I think some people kind of get obsessed with the numbers and that is why some may advise against getting one, but if you are exercising regularly in doesn’t hurt to have one to be sure your O2 isn’t dropping too much.

[anng18 in reply to jackdup]

Yes, quite agree with with you😊

[anng18 in reply to TG58]

Yes I have an oximeter, but am quite careful not to be obsessed by it. I use it when I feel very breathless and also to check out my stamina. In all honesty my husband, who has not got any lung problems, uses it more than me - I think it gives him an ego boost🤣

[garshe]

On my last pulmonary rehab course my oxygen level would drop to the 80's whilst exercising. It would come up very quickly when I stopped and back to the my normal of 94/95. The nurses weren't worried. x Sheila

[anng18 in reply to garshe]

Thank you for your information. It makes me feel a lot better.😊

[garshe in reply to anng18]

I have an Oximeter and my oxygen level drops with any form of excertion even climbing the stairs. doesnt have to be excercise. It goes back up once I stop . It has done this for years . Keep safe xx Sheila.

[Oldspark]

Hi Ann

I have advanced stages of Intersatial Pulmonary fibrosis, so I am on oxygen 24/7 my saturation level dropped constantly below 70% so now I am on a higher dosage with two concentrators in tandem to give a max of 15ltrs, / min if I need it I also have oxygen cylinders for ambulatory use. I would speak to your respitory nurse, but as your recovery from 88% to +90% is very quick, personally I would not be to concerned, but as mine can take upto a minute to recover from 70%+ to 90%+I wack up the knob to give me more oxygen, but I retain Co2, so I am then back to square one. Not very helpful I know but the main advice is speak to your respitory clinic/nurse.

Stay healthy stay safe, stay well, most of all join the huge LERT group as your country needs LERTS so you can also stay ALERT.

God bless

Ernie

[anng18 in reply to Oldspark]

Thank you Ernie,

Very interesting. My mother suffered a similar effect. Too much oxygen and her Co2 went up. Very difficult to get things just right.

[skischool]

Read what i wrote,88%-92% you fall within the safe level at 89%,if your oxygen levels go below 88% on a regular and consistent basis you should be considered for supplementary oxygen.

[skischool]

No problem.it is a confusing state of affairs and i am happy to hear you still fall within the safe recommended levels.