I realize that this is a topic commonly asked about, but I would like to add to the discussion using my recent experience as context:
Low O2 saturation
I've read plenty about the effects of critically low O2 saturation: lack of oxygen to the body's organs can cause a cascade of organ failures, lack of oxygen to the brain can cause permanent neurological damage and of course, the worse case scenario: death. That said here is my comment/question(s:
I've recently begun maintaining a daily journal, where I track the times that I take my medication, when I work on my rehab exercises and when I run into issues (coughing spells, shortness of breath, use of my emergency inhaler, etc.).
Additionally, I found an app that I can use with my smart watch and smart phone that allows me to record my current pulse rate and O2 sat levels.
I'm now capturing this information in my journal throughout the day in hopes of discovering patterns and triggers that can act as red flags for avoiding an exacerbation.
I've had a lot of exacerbations lately and have been in and out of the hospital. When I look back in my journal, all of these episodes are obviously accompanied with low O2, but now that I'm in a more staple place (I have new meds, I've been getting better with my breathing exercises, etc)... I'm seeing that I'm recording low O2 level even when I feel fine?
For example, throughout the day today, I was consistently recording levels in the low 80s. In addition, I'm seeing that I'm running a consistently high heart-rate. All of this mind you, is during times that I actually feel fine (times without shortness of breath or coughing, etc.)
Some questions for the community:
- what are considered moderate vs. risky vs. down-right dangerous 02 levels?
- What are the effects or visible signs of someone with 02 levels that are too low? (beside blue-ish appendages -that is an obvious one)
- What are some ways to help counter-act low 02?
- Are there any pharmacological options to treat low 02?
- For me, I notice that my levels are at the lowest when I wake up from sleeping (I've never been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but I realize that this is a co-symptom). I thinking about the need to have a 02 solution at home (CPAP for sleeping, 02 tank, etc.) Can anyone share their experiences with home oxygen? What are the best options, tips, recommendations?
I've attached a screenshot of my journal, which shows low 02 readings (forgive me if its overly technical -I'm a computer geek!).
During this time period, I really didn't "feel" like my O2 was low (I didn't exhibit any outward symptoms).
I'm worry that if I wasn't tracking this, I could be living my life day-to-day causing serious damage without realizing it?
