When is low oxygen levels a problem?

[Makeitsoso]

We have a pulse oximeter at home. I tested posted for covid 11 days ago and whilst the flu systems have all gone, I have been feeling lightheaded, racing heart and pretty weak.
Whilst my O2 rates are variable they are dropping pretty low (varying between 85 and 95) and heart rate is going very high at extremely light activity (e.g putting a wash on).

When is it at the point of getting help?

My DP thinks I’m a hypechondriac (not really, but certainly thinks I need to woman up!)

When is it at the point of getting help?

Now. We have a pulse oximeter and the advice on the instructions is to seek medical advice if your sats dip below 95%. If they are as low as 85% you would probably need oxygen.

You need to get help now, go to A&E. Your sats should never drop to 85. Are you sure that reading is correct?

Yes, you need to be seen. I’d go to A&E

Between 95% and 99% is considered to be in the normal range. Unless you have COPD then it's 88% and 92% Don't panic but do call your GP or 111. You need oxygen therapy.

NOW is when you need to be seen. 85 is an emergency. Your partner is an idiot.

Anything 94 or under is on the low side. 85 is urgent and you just feel awful apart from anything else!!

Yep agree with above posters. Dd had a respiratory condition and at 92 or less I would put her on home oxygen. At less than 90 I would call an ambulance.

Sounds like you may have pneumonia op, I did after the initial recovery period from covid and I felt very breathless with a high pulse. Get yourself to a&e, I needed some very strong antibiotics and I expect you will need these plus Oxygen too.

85% consistently is certainly too low and would require attention. But before doing anything drastic I'd sit quietly for a few mins with the pulseox on and let it settle down while you think about what makes your sats dive and your pulse rise - when it happens, how long for etc. This will give a better history for a clinician.

@LadyGardenersQuestionTime

85% consistently is certainly too low and would require attention. But before doing anything drastic I'd sit quietly for a few mins with the pulseox on and let it settle down while you think about what makes your sats dive and your pulse rise - when it happens, how long for etc. This will give a better history for a clinician.

What’s the point? They will already know that dropping sats on movement is classic covid pneumonia. Just go now op.

Under 94 needs to be admitted to hospital. If you called 111 they would send an ambulance. If your hands are cold that can affect the reading but tbh, if you’re use to using it the fluctuating is probably correct. When you get to A&E let them know you have Covid and they’ll make sure you’re out in a private room. Covid can cause silent hypoxia. Get to A&E quick

This

@Makeitsoso what happened OP? Aware it's an old thread. Currently on hold with nhs25 as my readings have been 80ish at times today, other times higher but mostly in the 80's for last few hours and 78 a few times

I don't feeel breathless but think I'm breathing a bit faster. Main symptom is severe dizzinesss , it comes on so suddenly and severely

Go to hospital

[quote wastedtwenties]@Makeitsoso what happened OP? Aware it's an old thread. Currently on hold with nhs25 as my readings have been 80ish at times today, other times higher but mostly in the 80's for last few hours and 78 a few times

I don't feeel breathless but think I'm breathing a bit faster. Main symptom is severe dizzinesss , it comes on so suddenly and severely [/quote]
Don't hang around on the phone, go to hospital!

@wastedtwenties if you are sure the circulation to your hands is good and you are confident the device is working (is there a healthy person in the house you can put it on?) you need an ambulance

I just spoke to the doctor and he said if I'm
Not short of breath then the low oxygen won't be connected to the severe dizziness and to try a medication for inner ear related dizziness and that will guide them.

I only checked oxygen because the dizzy spells are v bad

He wasn't too interested in it. The nurse did ask me to warm my hands up and check again and it was late 80's/ 91 so I'm not entirely sure if the reading is accurate

I do generally have poor circulation

Late 80s/low 90s you need to be seen in person, go to A&E. Mask up and tell them at the desk that you have covid, they'll put you in a side room.

@wastedtwenties

I just spoke to the doctor and he said if I'm Not short of breath then the low oxygen won't be connected to the severe dizziness and to try a medication for inner ear related dizziness and that will guide them.

I only checked oxygen because the dizzy spells are v bad

He wasn't too interested in it. The nurse did ask me to warm my hands up and check again and it was late 80's/ 91 so I'm not entirely sure if the reading is accurate

If I had these symptoms I would go to hospital.

Honestly you need to be seen. Better safe than sorry. Look at the chat above.

Go to hospital before you go into a coma. But don't drive of course.

Under 94 needs to be admitted to hospital. If you called 111 they would send an ambulance.

I called 111 when I had consistent readings of 91-94 and they said I wasn’t at the threshold for hospital admission, despite the fact I felt absolutely dreadful. Thankfully I’ve recovered now but it was frightening.

93-90 needs medical advice (can be gp).
Under 90 is 999.

I'd be getting investigated if it was 95 or under.

I have a rare moderate lung disease and 96 - 99 is normal for me.

When I had a collapsed lung (without knowing I did) I walked into the GP and it was 94. They sent me to A&E. It was one of those wierd life moments where I found myself asking if I could go home and get a bag first or did I need to go straight there. They said I could, you won't keel over but you need to go.

I desaturate quite a bit when exercising but recover quickly. That is okay because I know why and take meds that control it.

Best to get checked.