Oximeter - when to worry?

[Isthatitnow]

I have not had a covid test but in the last week have suffered a 3 day headache (I do suffer with migraines on a regular basis so a headache won’t normally ring alarm bells)) and I just feel a little “off”. I bought a finger oximeter months ago - when I got it, my average reading was 97/98. In the shower this morning, I felt quite breathless with some dull pain which was centred under my chest/top of stomach area. I got the oximeter out and it read 93 although with some deep breathing I got it fluctuating between 95/96/97. I feel fine now, have eaten normally, no pain but still 95. Is this concerning? I realise it could be something other than covid but I am guessing a GP won’t see me if I don’t rule it out?

Yes, please call the Dr

Try the other hand.

Please can someone tell me what readings should be if you are healthy?

You aren't wearing nail varnish or have fake nails are you? As that affects the reading
If not, I would ring the doctor.

Useful info here, OP:

www.healthline.com/health/normal-blood-oxygen-level#oxygen-levels

Please stop using over the counter/online bought pulse oximetry- they are unlikely to be accurate and just raise your levels of hypochondria.

I get low readings when I am anxious. Anxiety can stop you breathing deeply, relax, sit down quietly and breathe steadily. Then try again.

I have an oximeter due to having severe asthma (severe enough to be on Boris’s shielding list). I use it as my “can stay at home/need to take myself to A&E/need to call an ambulance immediately” monitor. My GP knows I have it and approves of me having it.

To be honest though, unless you have severe lung condition I would listen to your body as you would ordinarily rather than relying on an oximeter. If you feel unwell then call the GP, if only to put your mind at rest.

Thanks. Quite the opposite of hypochondria, couldn’t tell you the last time I saw a doctor. Still 95/96 and same on both hands, no false nails or varnish. I will see if I can speak with a GP.

Why would you call the GP for a normal reading? Did you read the link uptrend?

why are you using an oximeter when you don't even know what the readings mean?

@CatkinToadflax

I have an oximeter due to having severe asthma (severe enough to be on Boris’s shielding list). I use it as my “can stay at home/need to take myself to A&E/need to call an ambulance immediately” monitor. My GP knows I have it and approves of me having it.

To be honest though, unless you have severe lung condition I would listen to your body as you would ordinarily rather than relying on an oximeter. If you feel unwell then call the GP, if only to put your mind at rest.

While this would ordinarily be good advice, it isn't as good for covid, because of the 'silent hypoxia' where people's oxygen levels can drop right down to dangerous levels before they actually feel breathless. This is a feature of covid in particular.

My dc has to use an oximeter, the doctors are happy with anything over 95

When it falls below 88%, normal reading for an adult is between 96 and 99%.

Yes fair enough eeeyulesmiles - I did say to call the GP if concerned though.

This is why home oximetry is dangerous if you don’t know how to interpret. I would not be worried at 95, go off how you are feeling with your breathing. 88 is too low to be worried at. Put it away, rest and seek help going off your physical symptoms that you can interpret

I wasn't saying I think the OP is in danger right now, for the record. I thought anything over 95 is OK too. I'd keep an eye on it though and not go only by whether or not I actually felt breathless, if it might be covid. I'd try to look at it only at certain times of the day, not constantly.

Anything above 94 I would be broadly happy with as a nurse, as long as it was consistent. If you are bobbing along at 99 and then dropped to 94 randomly that would be mildly concerning. As in I'd want to keep and eye on you etc.

However totally normal for your sats to fluctuate depending on what you're doing. Lay down on your back reading a book will be different to walking to the shops.

Some oxymeters (even our big expensive ones in work) can take a second to make their mind up. For example they can start at 93% then after 2 or 3 seconds jump to 98%.

I suppose what I'm saying is look for consistency! Sats that are staying below 93% regardless of what you do. A one off of 93% when you're in the shower is probably nothing to worry about and in reality there is nothing we would do for that in A&E :)

And then just make a note and if it keeps going down you can then say that to a GP, a bit like reporting how your temp might have changed over the course of feeling ill. Then they can do the interpreting, you've just given them the data.

@vodkaredbullgirl

When it falls below 88%, normal reading for an adult is between 96 and 99%.

Really? 88% is worryingly low...where is that guidance from?

OP you are able to shower, eat and drink. I really don't think this sounds too concerning. Do take it easy though and see how you feel over the next while.

I have Reynaud's syndrome and my oximeter read 79. I think I may be dead.

@gettingolderbutcooler

Please stop using over the counter/online bought pulse oximetry- they are unlikely to be accurate and just raise your levels of hypochondria.

Are you a health professional?

I ask because several health professionals have recommended at home oximeters to me and have advised that they've found them to be as accurate as the ones they use.

(Obviously as long as you know how to use them - no nail varnish, etc)

@FuzzyPuffling

I have Reynaud's syndrome and my oximeter read 79. I think I may be dead.

That's because Reynauld's affects the blood supply to your finger where you use an oximeter. It won't be giving you a reading of what your actual sats are. At 79 you'd be looking pretty blue.

That's because Reynauld's affects the blood supply to your finger where you use an oximeter. It won't be giving you a reading of what your actual sats are. At 79 you'd be looking pretty blue.

I know...I was being a bit facetious really. Usually I just sing "Deadfinger" (to the tune of "Goldfinger") but this is actual proof that my circulation is shot when the Reynaud's strikes! It gives me something to tell the rhematologist.