Decrease oxygen level when standing up and walking

Hi! Welcome to the community, we’re so glad you decided to chime in 😊 It’s common for your oxygen levels to decrease when you stand up, so you’re not alone there. If you go to the left hand drop down menu on our site, there are a bunch of resources listed to help you learn more about COPD, but if you have any specific questions we’d be happy to find info for you! Sending love and hugs, Kay (Team Member)

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Hi there, welcome to the forum. With my first doctor visit after being in ICU last year with mycobacterial pneumonia, I was advised to use my emergency inhaler (albuterol) before doing any exercise or physical activity. If I did not, I would be out of breath quickly and would have to sit down and catch my breath. It is not a good feeling. In the past year I have learned (mostly the hard way) what my limitations are. Now with any physical activity, even with using my inhaler, I usually do whatever I am doing for 20 minutes or so, and then take a short break. It takes longer to get things done, but I am more comfortable doing them. You will learn your own limitations and hopefully not the hard way. Take your time and go slowly. Talk to your doctor for recommendations and advice. Ask about pulmonary rehab classes, ask about emergency inhalers, and make a list of questions before you go for your next visit. And of course, you can always ask any questions here. You won't get medical advice, but you will get support and suggestions from people with COPD and how they handle their respective COPD symptoms. God Bless!

Hi, and welcome! This site has lots of great information, as well as meaningful support from great moderators. I have had COPD for over 10 years, and shortness of breath when moving around is typical. If you don't already have one, get an oximeter at the pharmacy, under $20. Keep it in your pocket. I don't belabor the point, but it takes me about 3-4 minutes to get back up to my normal level when I get out of breath. If I don't gauge this when I sit down, it can feel like my oxygen level is back up, but I get winded again immediately when I get up. I don't really have any other symptoms, other than the occasional cough. Usually nothing coughs up, except now, in the aftermath of a smoky week where I live in the Northwest.

Thank you❤️