Oxygen levels
I hear people talk about doctors telling them what their oxygen levels should be . This level is when you are not active , right ? Also can a RT line me out on that instead of a pulmonologist ? I just got a portable oxygen concentrator. The idea is to get enough oxygen to walk around without gasping for air right . This thing has 6 settings on it . I am trying to find the best setting for
me . I have home oxygen which I rarely use , but lately I use it when cleaning house etc. I don't want to be afraid of my portable , but I should be able to find what level I need is my thinking . Pretty out of shape and need to walk and get a little exercise . My M.D. ordered the portable and she knows my oxygen level when resting . Can I get some advice ?
Hi.
Thank you for your question -- it is a good one. You are right, usually a doctor should be able to tell you what liter flow (1-6) to set your oxygen concentrator or portable tank at. Usually, a doctor will order a test called an oxygen qualification test, which I described in the following article (https://copd.net/living/qualifying-home-oxygen). As a respiratory therapist, this is a test that we do. Also I believe your pumonologist may also have someone in their office who is able to do that test. Although, I think that would depend on where you live and who your doctor is. This test is important as it can help determine what oxygen settings to use while you are resting and, as you note, while you are walking around or exercising. And, of course, as you note, this is important as it will assure your oxygen levels stay at safe levels even while you are staying active and walking around. Is this what you are asking? Does this help? John. community moderator. Yes.Thank you. The doctor gave me the SpO2 test. Resting my level is normally 90 to 92 . It will drop into low 80s with exercise and even lower with exacerbations . She didn't tell me what level oxygen to use however . From what you tell me , probably level 2 or maybe 3 . I will have to monitor it with my oximeter . I failed to obtain a good estimate yesterday because of tightness in my chest . My meds have that taken care of so far so I will try it again . Thanks.
Thank you for the update. Was your oxygen SpO2 tested on room air or while wearing oxygen? Assuming this was done on room air, it sounds your doctor should have someone walk you on oxygen to determine how much you need while walking. That way you would know how much you need. Perhaps it may be time to give your doctor a call as your doctor should be able to determine exactly how much oxygen you need. What do you think? John. community moderator.
Thanks John
I have same problem but no oxygen, keep asking for oxygen but they say because my levels are 94 at rest it is not needed, but I don't rest every minute of day and really struggling to even go to toilet .
Hi
, and welcome! I see you have been a member here since June 2020 and we appreciate your long term support of the community. We are glad to see you engaging directly with the community now, through this, your first post.
I hear you! For many with a COPD diagnosis, it can be somewhat frustrating to see acceptable levels of oxygen saturation but, still be struggling with difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and mobility.
I wonder if your physician/medical team is aware of what it takes to qualify for home oxygen? There are those patients whose oxygen saturation is acceptable at rest (like yours!), but whose saturation actually decreases during levels of activity. This includes walking over to the bathroom, as you shared here.
I thought this material, on that very topic, might provide you with some additional insight: https://copd.net/living/qualifying-home-oxygen. I call your attention to the section headlined, "SpO2 while walking". This may be something you'll want to bring to the attention of your medical team.
What do you think?
Leon L (author / site moderator)When I walk, my oxygen rises, but I am completely out of breath. Oxygen helps me lots. Just depends on the person I guess. My pulmonologist tell me to use it if it helps me breath better, as gasping for a breath is your body asking for more oxy.
