Spo2 drop
Hello!
I have very mild emphysema,chronic bronchitis and a very mild bronchiectasis.
Have to say i have rhinosinusitis.
My question is: is it normal for spo2 to fluctuate between 95-98% ,quickly drop to 40-50% ,then slowly go up to 95? All that while i sit ,breathe steadily and dont move or speak?
I catched few fluctuations while having heart palpitations.
And my blood pressure drops to 100/55-90/55 sometimes,despite being hypertensive just a year ago 😀
i don’t think I have ever heard of this. I do think that this is something that you need to speak to your physician about this ASAP. Maybe be has never went that low and have never heard of anyone else’s that I know. I have dropped to the 70’s but that is when my oxygen hose was unattached to my machine for a bit before I noticed it. Please keep us updated. Best, Jackie (Moderator) 
Hi
- it's good to see you re-engaging with the community again! I recall our last conversation from December 2022 and am glad to 'see' you here now. For ease of reference, here is a link to our last interaction within the community: https://copd.net/forums/new-to-copd-1.
Based on your post today, I would tend to agree with my good colleague's () response. A fluctuating oxygen saturation reading (such as you described), would be considered to be unusual. This is especially so since, from what you've shared, there does not appear to be any change in your clinical condition.
Over the many years, I have seen this occur and when I did, the issue was invariably related to the pulse oximeter itself, the placement of the sensor, and/or sometimes an electrical or battery connection. Do you think any of these might be applicable in your case?
Another concern may be with the blood pressure readings you've shared, especially since you've previously been diagnosed with hypertension.
As well, heart palpitations, if they are persistent, may be indicative of other medical/cardiac issues. I would not expect them to be ignored when coupled with your other symptoms.
My suggestion to you would be (as Jackie said), to reach out for your physician. The doctor would want to know about these changes so an evaluation can be provided for you.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Thank you again for the quick response! Thanks Jackie and Copdgirl also!
Forgot to mention that i had very weird and nasty virus infection like 2 months ago,which (thank God!) didnt reach my lungs but hit me too hard in sinusitis,so i had antibiotics and other meds so my sinuses can clean(and it was nasty).
And for like 2 months my chronic sinusitis is dripping pus into my throat (everyday a little) and doesnt want to go away completely. I said this,because i've heard that it can worsen lung issues.
As for readings of my pulse ox i guess its the oxes fault,going to see my physician tomorrow and will check on his ox,but i think mine ia just garbage 😀
Going to discuss the heart issues too,i dont think its normal to have years of high blood pressure(140/100 usually without drugs) and now so low bp.
I was concerned that they may be connected to my lung issues,but since they are still mild i guess its something else.
My last chest scan was december last year,do you think its a good idea to do another one in coming days just to check if things are still?
Thanks again to all of you and to this great community!Hi again, Ploomz, and thanks for acknowledging the team's responses to, and support of, your present situation.
In this, your most recent posting, you've touched on, and provided your thoughts, for each issue/concern. I think you are on the absolute right track!
It is comforting (for me), to know you plan on seeing your physician tomorrow. Addressing each of these concerns, one-by-one, should help you to gain a better understanding of what (if anything), is affecting you now and, what can be done about it. In this way, I believe you can be made to feel more comfortable.
My suggestion is to write all of this down (before you go to the office), in a small, simple list. That way, you will be sure to mention everything and not leave anything out. When this is written down, you won't have to worry about what you may remember or forget - you will cover it all!
I will wish you 'good luck!' and ask that you please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
If there is anything else that comes to mind, I should be around later this evening.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Hi Ploomz, When I was reading your post I thought your pulse odometer, is not working as it should be, I think it is not reading correctly so might be worth getting a new one maybe.I agree with what Leon and Jackie are saying. I have one also and it has never dropped that low. Take Care, X
Hi! How are you doing this week? I wanted to check in and see how everything went at the doctor last week. Hopefully you got your questions answered and are feeling more comfortable now. Let us know when you can! -Melissa, copd.net team so glad you were rable to get things sorted out. Hope that sinus meds work for you too! That drainage is such a pain down the back of the throat. Yeah on the CT scan results. Keep going, you are doing awaesome! Well, that sounds like a good plan! Glad you have some tools to help regulate your symptoms -- I hope it's a relief for you. 😀 I appreciate the update. -Melissa, copd.net team
