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?

[JackHester]

I've been dealing with this for along time now.  I was told I had a resting reading of 90-91 and that was fine - but they gave me oxygen for when i'm exercising.  That held for quite a while and then I got a cold and my oxygen dropped fast.  It is now 82 and tops out at 86.  I was also told that 88 is okay too but I'm going to the hospital tomorrow.  I dont normally us oxygen unless exercising but I am now.

One thing I am suspicious of is - previously I was diagnosed as having iron deficiency anemia - they gave me iron and in a week or so I felt a lot better - I believe that is  the case again.  When there is insufficient iron the bone  marrow doesnt' produce enough red and white blood cells - the red cells pick up and carry oxygen to the body and the white blood cells fight infection.  I am low in both and think it's iron deficiency anemia.  So tomorrow I will ask that it be checked on my CBC.  Anyone should consider that possibility when you are trying to figure out what caused your low oxygen sats.   John Hansen  ***@****

[Teapothouses]

It sounds like Pulmonary Fibrosis.
If your sat leval is below 88 you qualify for and need supplemental oxygen. Your insurance should pay for most of it.    
Ask your doctor to prescribe it.
Find another pulmonologist if yours does not address your problems.  Push.  You need to breathe to be healthy.

[mike150268]

Thank you!

[hava]

Follow the anulom vilom breathing technique, twice a day, described in my November 14 ,2011 post, and you will notice an increase in the O2 level.Over the long term your need for oxygen will decrease, as you continue with anulom vilom. Any activity uses oxygen, so the level goes down when you move.
January 11, 2012

[mike150268]

My husband has COPD and was hospitalized about 3 months ago due to low oxygen levels. He was sent home with oxygen. Now the pulse oximeter usually reads 90-92 at a resting rate.  Now he wonders if it's normal for it to drop while moving/working and how low is "safe"?

[tammy222360]

I understand where you are at with the sleep apnea. I am not getting oxgen to my brain when i sleep. I am wondering what other conditions come with this problem. I am having a hard time getting any information about this problem. Could I end up parkisons or something else

[Micki3]

It is terrible that you are suffering so. Who diagnosed you with sleep apnea? Are you using a CPAP machine? If not, perhaps you can get a referral to a pulmonologist who specializes in sleep medicine.  My husband has central sleep apnea due to a spinal injury. He uses a BiPAP machine. The American Sleep Association has a good website about all these topics. Their website is at americansleep.org.  I hope you get the help you need - and deserve.