When to worry about oximeter readings?

[S4iv3rm3timbers]

I’ve had a chest infection for approx a week and a half now and have been monitoring o2 levels. They’ve been getting slowly worse each day but I’ve woken up feeling really strange, heaviness on chest and just not right. So I’ve been taking readings and I’m sitting at 94, sometimes going down to 93% rather than the steady 96% I’ve been since feeling unwell.

I had always planned to call GP today once open after the long weekend but I’m wondering if I actually need to be calling 111 for advice. It’s not Covid as I had it 4 weeks ago and negative tests but I think it’s possibly a secondary infection and I’m starting to worry it’s pneumonia now rather than “just” a chest infection. Thanks

If they are constantly below 93 after getting up to walk around say to the bathroom etc. If you get a low reading but it then increases back up then you are OK but definitely get seen by your GP tomorrow

Get loads of pillows or a beanbag a sleep sitting up as much as possible.

Pneumonia is essentially just a chest infection with radiological findings (i.e. seen on imaging - Chest x-ray or CT scan).

Are you already on antibiotics? SPO2 readings aside, how do you feel in yourself? Generally improving or generally worsening?

I would give 111 a call, personally. Worsening chest infection is not the only differential diagnosis that needs to be excluded.

Thanks for the replies. I’m fully propped up on sofa which helps a bit.

No not on antibiotics, didn’t feel as bad last week but typically started to feel worse as bank holiday approached. But it’s only last 48 hrs it’s got much worse, I started to feel breathless even when talking so started to monitor o2 levels more regularly

I would seek advice. The feeling of heaviness and not feeling yourself would suggest that it's not improving, along with the dipping sats.
Hope you feel better soon.

I’d deffo call nhs.

When I had covid and a bad chest (have asthma) my gp advised only to go to hospital if they dropped below 91%.
If you’ve not seen anyone re the actual infection/treatment if needed I’d book an appt - or a review if getting worse like you said x feel better soon x

OP, have you tried taking readings from different fingers/hands?

I find I get consistently low readings from my left index finger, but mutch higher on my right, no idea why could be old scars in my skin?

I would ring 111 right now. That figure is too low, you feel unwell and it's getting worse.

@Ifailed yes I’ve been doing both hands as the readings seem low. I did think they could be wrong but I’ve been measuring hourly now since 3am and it starts out at 92/93 but once numbers finally stop moving they stay at 94%. I did measurements before bed as wasn’t feeling great and was 95%. Tbh I only tested during night as I woke feeling like I couldn’t breathe properly.

I’m going to call GP at 8 when they open because readings aside, I don’t feel well and definitely think I need antibiotics.

Thank you all for the advice

Update! Thank you for keeping me company during the night :) I’ve seen the GP and I have a chest infection so now on antibiotics. Thankfully o2 levels now around 97-98% so much more normal. I will be taking it easy for the rest of the week and hopefully I’ll be better by the weekend

For future reference clean the oximeter sensor with alcohol regularly and make sure your hand is warm first m.

Good you are feeling better.