Oxygen low levels

[Mariongisela]

My husband is coughing so much more and his breathing has deteriorated o2 levels 92 on oximeter . He’s under the Brompton but has only had telephone conversation no actual face to face appointment. It’s scary and not sure what to do. Going to try Tuesday and contact Brompton.

[Hidden]

I don’t know what your husband’s diagnosis is, but if levels of 92% are not normal for him, or the deterioration has been quite sudden, I would say don’t wait until Tuesday. If it’s happened over a few days and his breathing is a lot worse than normal, call an ambulance, as it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Otherwise, I would phone 111 tonight for advice. They’ll triage him via a conversation with a medical professional, and if they feel he needs to be seen, they can advise on what the best route is. They may ultimately also say an ambulance to take him to be assessed, but a further 2 days is a long time to be struggling with cough and oxygen levels. Although it varies depending on what’s normal for an individual and the lung disease they have, oxygen levels of 92% and below can mean someone needs extra oxygen, particularly if it’s not normal for them and they have an acute illness like an infection, a virus, or an exacerbation of their underlying lung disease.

[R0B1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Charlie

when i start to deteriorate i usually phone my specialist and he usually increases my steroids from the usual 10mg to 30mg for a few weeks and sometimes gives me a course of antibiotics and that usually helps, i also find the coughing at bed time hard to cope with but i have found that as soon as i go to bed i get directly onto my stomach either on my elbows or flat with my head to the side slightly off the edge of the pillow and that eases the coughing within about 30 minutes, i would agree to measure the blod oxygen level several times as it will drop to 92 for a while whilst coughing but will go back to 94 / 95. hope he starts to feel better soon.

[Bkin]

Yes do contact Brompton on Tuesday Mariong

If for any reason his condition worsens more than it is already over the easter weekend, don't hesitate to call the 111 service or emergency

111.nhs.uk/

If your husband thinks its a lung infection hopefully he will take his emergency pack meds.

He may want to use his ventolin through a spacer to aid easier absorption and get medicine deeper into the lungs. Long deep inhale using the spacer and hold breath for count of 12 if he can, I expect he knows to do this.

Hope he is soon feeling better.

[Mariongisela in reply to Bkin]

Thank you ... personally I don’t think he’s using his inhaler right.. and he’s using so frequently.Will certainly take your advice

[Oshgosh in reply to Mariongisela]

Has he got a spacer ? It makes it easier to take inhalers.

[Mariongisela in reply to Oshgosh]

I think there is one in the cupboard will check tomorrow

[Kristicats]

Could you phone 111 for advice by phone or online?

[Mariongisela in reply to Kristicats]

He’s gone to bed now. Will listen out tonight and will do in the morning thank you. I don’t feel so alone with it now .

[B_Asthma]

I have ran as low as 88% on my o2 pulse oxymeter without much issue and usually it will rise within a few hours. It is important to remember readings are a snapshot of a period in time and it is more important to collect it over a period of time, like a few hours or a few days. It is probably something to call your GP or 111 but if it is only going as low as 92% then it is probably something not to worry too much about.

[Biofreak]

I would definitely ring 111 if he's no better today Mariogisela. Better safe than sorry x

[rodders1941]

Marion hi does your husband use oxygen l find it helps so much when my wife and l go out walking ,but it took a while for me to receive it , we always try to remember our generationpaid for the N H S its not a charity ! take care and god bless Rodders

[Aingeful]

I would say it's a good day if mine are 92! They vary from 88 and I'm not on oxygen.As said above, they can vary at different times of the day.Take them at different times to show your doctor,he/she can decide then if extra oxygen is needed.

[Lol1944]

Agree with all previous posters. Always a good idea to use oximeter twice daily for two weeks at random times to get a true picture of levels when feeling well. Armed with this info it is easy to recognise when things are deteriorating.

[Burghy]

92 on an oximeter is quite good in the 80 I would worry

[Kristicats]

If you are worried don’t hesitate to phone 111 for advice.