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?

This is the advice from 111
95 is fine

People have a tendency to hold their breath a bit when looking at the device. If you sit and breath normally for one minute and then look at the device is the reading still 95/96 ?
Also are you hands nice and warm ? , do you have any known circulatory issues such as Raynauds syndrome ?

And if anyone is concerned, please use the 111 website, if you select coronavirus advise there is a section for blood oxygen levels. Better then asking an online forum

If you have certain conditions then a low oxygen reading is normal. I don’t know how to interpret readings...you need to ask your gp. You have had chest pain so you should call them. I was looking into buying an oximetre myself. Online says home devices are quite accurate so I don’t know if I’ve read that wrong!

@umpteennamechanges I work in a care home and often have to check people o2 sats levels. Anyone who is breathless without a medical reason has to be check, then we have to ring 111 up for advise.

@2bazookas

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

This.

My son has a lung condition. Anything above 95 is good for him. And as a pp said it's worth looking at the fluctuations.

I was taken in back in March and placed on oxygen when reading was 88 ( healthy early 40s). Have since bought one for home but i think they would cause more concern than anything on 27th out of pure curiosity i tested 10 times and ranged between 92 with an alarn bell ringing and 97. I am for the record feeling 100%.

Umpteen- yes, I am.

@gettingolderbutcooler

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

This is not true - of course there are some dodgy ones but most are pretty good. Many of the devices you can buy online and in chemists are the same ones GPs use.

We have several bought online (for reasons nothing to do with COVID) and they are generally pretty accurate when compared to both the ones used by ambulance crews and the ones used for monitoring on hospital wards (yes - we've compared them).

95 is not concerning. I’ve got between 95-99 when I’m not sick. It’s normal.

I spoke to a Covid nurse today..anything that is over 96%is ok but go to AE if you are struggling with breathlessness.