Low Oxygen Saturation Level

[Fred's Dad]

Wondering if anyone has experienced low oxygen saturation levels?  I went to a pulmonary specialist for a consult on sleep apenea.  Took the pulse, blood pressure, etc. and then said "ohhh your oxygen saturation level is 84%.  Kind of low."  He then set me up for a sleep study.  Anyone else experience the same?

[suzc719]

So do these saturation rates change every 1000 feet or so? In other words, if you are 90% at 10,000 ft, would you be better at 9,000 ft but even better at 8,500 and then 8000 etc. Is there a way to tell what is a "safe" elevation to live at?

[short31185]

I am 35, non-smoker and became very short of breath where I would do very little and wouldn't be able to catch my breath then I would start coughing and wouldn't be able to stop. It was horrible so I went to the ER and they admitted me. They checked levels for CHF and they were fine. I saw the pulmonologist and he walked me around and my O2 sats dropped while walking to 86. He admitted me to observe my sats during the night. I dropped 20x during the night (not sure if that was per hour) and then they did an echo. They found I have very mild pulmonary htn at 32 and they believe it to be caused by OSA. I am waiting to have the sleep study done since they can't get me in for 3 weeks. In the meantime I am on 2 liters of O2 at night and the same during the day as needed. Well the last 3 days I have needed it around the clock and it makes me very upset. They are thinking that if they get the OSA under control then I will be able to breathe normally during the day. What do you think of this? I get depressed thinking I will need O2 the rest of my life and I am only 35. Thanks for any info.

[Avdw]

My grandmother has emphysema - she was recently diagnosed with pnuemonia. Her blood saturation levels were 68%. She was very weak - sleeping alot - has slurred speech and seems confused. Her blood saturation levels are at 98% now - but her speech and other symptoms havnt really improved. Will it improve - or is it likely permanent damage was caused. I am so worried.

[Rickemy]

It's normal for anyone with COPD to drop to levels in the 80's. That's not bad however if he exercises every day or goes to a pulmonary rehab twice a week it will increase his endurance and won't drop as much because the muscles in his body along with the heart will require less o2>

[maribarth]

Came across your old posting and I can relate to what you posted.  I was dx 1 1/2 years ago with a lung disease they feel was caused by allergy.  I also have asthma and sleep apnea and wear a cpap at night.  My oxygen levels have been dropping lately to the high 70"s although when I put my oxygen on and sit and rest a bit it will go up to 88-90.  I have not used oxygen at night but think I may need to start.  I was wondering what your status is at this point.  I try to live a normal life but I now have great limitations with my breathing and wonder what my future will be like.

[maribarth]

I know that you had an old posting but I have a similar situation with a lung disease and noticed recently that my oxygen level has been dropping to 78-82 quite often although when I rest it goes back up the 88-90.  I have oxygen that I use when I feel I need it but it seems that I need it more frequently.  I want to get into some group to get more advise and wondered if you had any more recent updates.