Help and advice with change of oxygen levels

[lyzbeth]

Hi, I'm new here, can I ask out there about oxygen levels. I was asked to take my oxygen levels as I have copd and had cold symptoms. I have been checking them for over a week now and I noticed after a meal my levels drop significantly, at first I thought it was due to the cold I had, but my cold has gone and my levels are still low after meals. I am a little confused and must admit worried, I would love some advice, thank you all

[Caspiana]

Hello lyzbeth , 👋😊

I have experienced this and it is not uncommon for those of us with severe lung disease. Eating can adversely affect our oxygen levels and cause us to be more breathless. Eating in itself requires our body to use more energy to digest the food. Plus having hyperinflation in the lungs means our stomach when full makes breathing even more difficult. My strategy was to eat small light meals , instead of three times a day, I ate four times. And eat slowly. I'm not sure what your lung condition is or how severe, but I was at the end stage of Bronchiolitis Obliterans when I experienced trouble with eating and dropping oxygen levels when eating. Take good care.

Cas xx 🍀

[lyzbeth in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you Caspiana, your explantion and advice helps tremendously. I had no reason to check my oxygen levels before until my Dr asked me to keep a check and made me aware if it went to a certain level to phone the hospital, luckily it didn't. I will give your idea a go smaller meals and maybe add a snack.

Thanks Caspiana take care and stay safe

[joyce74 in reply to lyzbeth]

I am just the same. After a light breakfast of just a slice of toast toppped with an egg yoke I feel totally exhausted, put my head on a pillow and often have a nap. This can happen after any meal.

[lyzbeth in reply to joyce74]

Thank you joyce74 it seems little and often is the way to go take care

[joyce74 in reply to lyzbeth]

You to Lyzbeth

[anng18]

Hi Lyzbeth,

My oxygen levels also go down after a meal. I've even checked my husband's levels, as he has 'normal' lung function - they also go down slightly, but are never too bad. It's hard going, as I can become so breathless, but you've been given some really good advice.

Take care.

[soulsaver]

Assume your using a decent pulse oximeter with good batteries?

What's YOUR normal? What does it drop to after meals? How soon does it come back to your normal?

[Karenanne61]

When I was in ICU recovering after respiratory failure and able to eat, the nurse used to tweak the oxygen up as I ate and for a short time afterwards. They said we all have an oxygen dip when we eat but it's only really noticeable in those of us with diseased lungs.